Businesses encouraged to tackle food litter

Food outlets are being encouraged to sign up to an initiative aimed at improving environmental standards.

District of Easington Council is adopting the nationally recognised Voluntary Code of Practice in a bid to rid the area’s streets of litter.

And the authority is asking local businesses to get involved by agreeing to make an extra effort to reduce food waste.

Helen Douglas, Pride in Easington Officer, said: “As people live busier lives, work later and spend more time eating on the move, the problem of food-related litter on our streets is increasing.

“Not only are drink cartons, sandwiches and other such items unsightly, they are also responsible for a number of environmental problems, including the increase in the rat population.

“The Voluntary Code of Practice aims to tackle the issue by asking businesses to take on more responsibility for the cleanliness of their area, while also encouraging them to work more closely with ourselves and the local community.”

The code sets out recommendations for all businesses that sell food for immediate consumption, from burger vans and takeaways to petrol stations and supermarkets.

Outlets are asked to adopt a series of new practices appropriate to their specific type of business.

Roadside food sellers, for example, are encouraged to carry out twice daily litter picks in the 50 metre area around their vehicle and to consider how they can reduce their food packaging.

Local supermarkets that join the scheme, meanwhile, are asked to look at ways of minimising packaging at the production stage and also to work with the council in providing additional litter bins.

Pride in Easington Officers will be visiting local businesses, particularly those located next to or near schools and encouraging them to join the scheme.

The adoption of the code is part of District of Easington Council’s on-going efforts to combat litter. Last September, the authority launched the month-long Food on the Go campaign to encourage motorists to bag and bin their food rubbish.

In partnership with local businesses, the council handed out hundreds of free food waste bags to members of the public.

To sign up to the Voluntary Code of Practice e.mail pride@easington.gov.uk