Targeted enforcement by Ipswich Borough Council is tackling businesses that fail to manage their commercial waste responsibly in the town centre.
Council officers have been carrying out focused patrols and investigations into businesses leaving bagged commercial waste outside their premises for extended periods. This waste can be torn open and scattered across surrounding streets and public spaces, creating litter and making the town centre less attractive.
The enforcement activity is already making a difference, with significantly less visible bagged business waste being left outside town centre premises for long periods.
Businesses are responsible for managing their commercial waste properly and ensuring it does not create a nuisance or contribute to litter in the public realm. The Council has made clear that businesses that fail to meet these expectations can expect enforcement action.
The Council has issued 67 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) to businesses found to be in breach of waste regulations. Enforcement activity has been supported by evidence gathered through in-person activity and CCTV monitoring. A further 22 cases are currently being processed, bringing the total number of FPNs issued to 89.
The Council used redeployed resources in the summer to reiterate the expectations on waste management with businesses and adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards those who do not adapt their practices to protect the town centre from the consequences of disposing of bagged business waste in the wrong way.
This initiative is part of a broader commitment to cleaner, more attractive streets, building on the Council’s announcement on 9th July that it was investing an additional £400,000 to increase street cleansing activity across the town.
Councillor George Lankester, Ipswich Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Communities, said:
“Businesses have a responsibility to manage their waste properly and to play their part in keeping Ipswich clean. The vast majority do exactly that, but we will not stand by while a minority leave waste on our roads outside agreed collection times. Where businesses fail to put things right, we will take action.
“Our targeted enforcement work is delivering results. By focusing our patrols and investigations on the places and times where problems are most likely to occur, we can make the best use of our resources and tackle the problem where it is happening. The result is less waste being left on our streets and a cleaner town centre for everyone who lives, works and visits here.
“This work will continue. We will keep monitoring the situation, working with businesses where we can, and taking enforcement action where necessary. Waste must be managed responsibly and it must not be allowed to become a problem for the wider community.”
The Council is encouraging all businesses to review their waste management arrangements and ensure staff understand when and how commercial waste should be presented for collection.
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