Fast food fans and businesses are being encouraged to help keep Burton’s streets clean and tidy with a new Council initiative.

East Staffordshire Borough Council’s Enforcement and Waste Management Teams have joined forces to introduce the Food On The Go scheme in the Burton Town Centre and Horninglow areas to help keep them litter free.

The scheme aims to raise awareness of fast food business owners and their responsibilities to store and dispose of their waste correctly. It also aims to encourage voluntary participation in helping the Council keep the Town Centre and surrounding areas clean by picking up litter from around their premises.

The most common types of litter are; food, drink and smoking related litter, which has been discarded or spilt during business operations. Over 90% of litter is caused by all members of the public and is not just confined to children, fast food outlets or the lack of bins.

Margaret Woolley, Senior Enforcement Officer says. “It’s a costly business to clear up – it costs between £6 and £19 per kilometre to clean up streets in the UK. The initiative provides businesses with a clear message of best environmental practice working together with Local Authorities to reduce litter and waste in the local environment without significant costs to the industry”.

Council Officers will visit premises in the areas during August and September to introduce the scheme, which is based on a Code of Practice, developed by the Central Government. Officers will give advice on reducing packaging, recycling and encouraging litter picking practises.

Officers will also check that business waste, including general waste and oil is being stored correctly whilst being disposed of by an Authorised Contractor. Business owners who do not dispose of their waste correctly can receive a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £300 or a fine of up to £20,000 in a Magistrates Court.

The Council can now issue Street Litter Control Notices, requiring businesses to clear litter from outside their premises and take measures to prevent the land from becoming defaced again. Also, Litter Control Notices can be issued requiring occupiers or owners of land defaced by litter or refuse, which is detrimental to the amenity of the locality, to clear it up and prevent a reoccurrence.

Should the public have any concerns or queries about litter, they can telephone the Enforcement Team on: 01283 508576.

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