More than a dozen Plumstead businesses face fines for failing to show that they're getting rid of their rubbish correctly as part of a council crackdown on fly-tipping.
Envirocrime officers visited 25 businesses along Plumstead High Street as part of a targeted operation to check compliance with commercial waste duty of care requirements. Of the businesses visited, 18 were issued with Section 34 notices, requiring 7 days to prove that they are lawfully disposing of their commercial waste otherwise they must pay a £300 fixed penalty notice.
During the operation, a small number of businesses also admitted to taking their commercial waste home or leaving it outside in black sacks for the council to collect. Household waste collections are not permitted to be used for commercial waste, and businesses must have appropriate arrangements in place for its disposal. The council will be working with businesses to help them do the right thing, and make our High Streets attractive places to visit.
The checks form part of the council's wider effort to step up fly-tipping enforcement which includes new CCTV, higher fines and a £100 reward for residents who help us catch fly-tippers.
Councillor Calum O'Byrne Mulligan, Cabinet Member for Transport, Climate Change, Waste and Streets, said:
"Most businesses in Royal Greenwich do the right thing. They pay for their waste to be collected properly, and it is not fair on them or residents when others dump those costs onto our streets. This shows how serious we are about ensuring everyone meets their legal responsibilities.
"Commercial waste must be disposed of correctly. Failing to do so will mean enforcement action. We're calling time on those disrespecting our community, trashing our High Streets by dumping their waste.
"We will continue carrying out inspections across the borough, taking action where necessary and supporting businesses to understand what is expected of them. By working together, we can make Greenwich the place to be, keeping our streets clean and welcoming for everyone."
Businesses are legally responsible for ensuring their waste is collected by a registered waste carrier and must keep the appropriate documentation to demonstrate compliance if requested by council officers.
Businesses can find more information about their commercial waste responsibilities and arrange a commercial waste collection online.
