Businesses are being reminded that they have a legal responsibility to manage their trade waste.
Companies that do not obey the law face enforcement action, including fixed penalty notices and prosecution.
Cllr Ray Nowak, Environment and Sustainability Briefholder at Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, said: “Most businesses are very responsible and deal with their waste legally and in the proper manner. Those who do not and who break the law will face penalties, as we are determined to do all we can to clean-up our borough and make sure that we get litter off our streets.
“Laws governing trade waste were introduced 26 years ago, so businesses should be aware of their responsibilities.”
The law requiring businesses to have trade waste arrangements in place and documented for two years was introduced under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991.
Any business failing to meet their legal obligations could be served with a £300 Fixed Penalty Notice, which will be reduced to £180 if it is paid within seven days. Failing to pay could result in prosecution for the original offence, namely not complying with commercial waste disposal ‘duty of care’ requirements.
Checks are carried out by specialist environmental enforcement company 3GS on behalf of Weymouth & Portland Borough Council.
More information and advice about trade waste is available here: dorsetforyou.gov.uk/manage-your-waste
