What should a business do?
As a business, you have clear legal obligations around the storage and disposal of your waste which you must comply with. The Duty of Care states that:
- you must make sure waste from your business is not fly-tipped;
- waste from your business must be properly contained and secure at all times;
- if you are giving your commercial waste to someone else to dispose of, they must be properly authorised to take it (they must have a 'Waste Carriers Licence');
- you must keep documentary evidence of how you dispose of your waste for a period of 2 years (these can be 'Waste Transfer Notes' or weighbridge receipts from a tip if you take it there yourself).
You should also ensure that the frontage of your premises is kept clean and free from litter. Although some litter may have blown onto your shop frontage or have been dropped by passers-by, it is in everyone's interest to have a clean, presentable premises as this will be more attractive to customers
We don't make commercial waste collections but there are a number of contractors who can help you comply with the law. Many contractors also offer the facility to recycle your commercial waste. Commercial waste collections are chargeable and do not form part of your Business Rates.
Green Growth is the resource efficiency and low carbon sector support programme available to SMEs in Manchester. It helps businesses increase their profitability by reducing their environmental impact and taking advantage of the growing market for low carbon and environmental goods and services.
What can we do
We will always seek to work with businesses in the first instance to make you aware of the steps you need to take, and to help advise you about the most appropriate arrangements for your business. However, if you are not complying with your legal obligations around commercial waste, we can take enforcement action.
We can serve notice on your business in order to:
- make sure you have adequate arrangements in place for the storage and collection of your waste ;
- request copies of your waste documentation (Waste Transfer Notes or weighbridge receipts);
- make sure you are keeping the frontage of your premises clear of litter.
Failure to comply is an offence which could result in a fine or prosecution.
Links
- Keep Britain Tidy
- Environmental Protection Act 1990: Sections 34, 47 and 93
- How do I get rid of business waste