About the scheme
The Tidy Business Awards aim to encourage local businesses to keep their surrounding environment clean and litter free.
The scheme raises the awareness of the importance of containment, storage, collection and disposal of waste. It also encourages businesses to consider methods of waste minimisation and recycling and working with the community.
The scheme offers two standards of award;
Green for complying with all current waste legislation, good "house keeping" and measures in place to prevent wind blown litter and fly tipping
Gold for the above plus waste minimisation / recycling and supporting local community environmental enhancement
Once you reach the set standard you will be presented with a certificate and window sticker to display acknowledging your success.
The Tidy Business Scheme is voluntary, with no cost to the business but a real benefit in participation.
What’s in it for you?
Areas that are kept clean and welcoming encourage visitors, thus increasing customers and as the awards have an additional focus on supporting the local community there is a real opportunity to make a difference literally on your doorstep. The Tidy Business Award also;
- Proves to your customers and competitors that you are environmentally responsible
- Shows compliance to the law
- Provides an opportunity for positive publicity
- Helps you save money by reducing waste
- Provides free advice and contacts for waste and litter solutions
- Improves the local environment
- Gives you a full understanding of your ‘duty of care’ for the safe and proper disposal of waste
- Contributes to your business and community development by improving people’s perception of your local area
- Can discourage vandalism and enviro crime such as graffiti and fly posting as clean and tidy premises give the impression that your business is well maintained and protected.
Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005
This Act enables the council to issue litter control notices to businesses to keep their surrounding area litter free. The control notices not only apply to the premises themselves but also the surrounding area, up to 100 metres. Failure to comply with the litter control notice can lead to a fixed penalty notice for businesses.
Therefore you need to be responsible for your waste and provide adequate disposal facilities for your customers and staff. The Tidy Business Award is an ideal opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to keeping your surroundings clean.
Remember litter includes cigarrette butts and chewing gum as well as the more obvious food packets and newspapers.
For additional information please contact the Parks and Street Cleansing Team or download a leaflet.
Southampton City Council
