Hartlepool businesses are being reminded of their legal duty to dispose of waste correctly, or risk a £300 Fixed Penalty Notice.
Hartlepool Borough Council's Enforcement Team is carrying out visits to businesses across the borough to check that proper waste arrangements are in place. The campaign coincides with Fight Fly-Tipping Fortnight, a national initiative running until 25 October.
What the law requires
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, waste produced by businesses must be handled by a carrier registered with the Environment Agency. It must be stored securely, transported safely and disposed of at an authorised facility. Businesses must keep appropriate documentation for at least two years.
Businesses are not permitted to use the Council's domestic waste collection service or the Household Waste Recycling Centre in Burn Road.
Enforcement process
Businesses visited by the Enforcement Team which cannot provide proof of an agreement with Hartlepool Borough Council or another registered waste carrier will be given seven days to produce the necessary information.
Continued failure to provide evidence of appropriate trade waste arrangements will result in a £300 Fixed Penalty Notice.
Councillor Amanda Napper, Chair of the Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services Committee, said: "Every business which produces waste has a legal responsibility to make sure it is disposed of properly. Our Enforcement Team is visiting businesses across Hartlepool and we would much rather help people get their arrangements in order than have to issue a fine, but businesses must be able to demonstrate that their waste is being dealt with legally."
For information about Hartlepool Borough Council's trade waste service, businesses can email waste.management@hartlepool.gov.uk or call (01429) 401988.