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Tidy Business Awards


(Also known as: Tidy Business standards)

Tidy Business Awards are given to businesses who dispose of their waste responsibly and keep their environment clean and tidy. Three levels of awards are available, Bronze, Silver and Gold. Applications for the awards should be made to the council who will assess the business according to the award criteria.

Who can use this service:

Tidy Business Awards are available to any business within Southampton that wishes to apply. Applicants must meet certain criteira to be successful.

Ways To Apply:

Application enquiries can be made by contacting the Open Spaces team by telephone or email.

Contact Details:

Address: Open Spaces Team, Town Depot, Albert Road North, Southampton
Postcode: SO14 5AT
Telephone: 023 8083 3605
Email: sparkling@southampton.gov.uk

Details of service:

About the scheme

The Tidy Business Awards are run by ENCAMS in partnership with Southampton City Council and 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 three standards of award;

Bronze for good waste handling and site appearance

Silver for the above plus waste minimisation and recycling

Gold for the above plus commitment towards local community 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 new 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 100m. Failure to comply with the Litter Control Notice can lead to 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.

If you would like further information please see the PDF leaflet or contact the Open Spaces team at Southampton City Council by emailing sparkling@southampton.gov.uk or call 023 8083 3605.



Last updated: 29 November 2007

Southampton City Council, Civic Centre, Southampton, SO14 7LY - email gateway@southampton.gov.uk - tel 023 8022 3855 - minicom 023 8083 2798