The two firms based on Edgware Road were fined £505 and £1,025 respectively, following cases heard on 7 June ad 30 August, the council said.
They were charged with breaching section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg, cabinet member for city management and air quality said: “Making sure Westminster’s streets stay clean and safe for residents remains the council’s top priority. These fines highlight the importance of making sure businesses follow the proper guidelines for preparing waste in a safe and hygienic manner ready for collection. I’m pleased see the work of our city inspectors has been vindicated.
“We provide a quick and affordable service for businesses and residents to dispose of bulky waste so there is no excuse to carelessly dump it on the side of the street. If you don’t meet our standards, be prepared to face the consequences”.
Measures
The council stated it “remains dedicated” to addressing cleanliness issues in problematic areas and streets.
Since April, it has taken strict measures by issuing 365 fixed penalty notices to both residents and businesses found guilty of thoughtlessly dumping waste on the streets of Westminster. Furthermore, the council said city inspectors have carried out 9,536 interventions to clear various items like boxes, garden waste, washing machines, and mattresses from the streets.
The council has taken action against businesses before for leaving waste on the streets outside of designated collection times.
In 2016, two Starbucks branches in the area were fined £160,000 for “deliberately” leaving rubbish bags on the street despite “repeated warnings” (see letsrecycle.com story).
Under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 all businesses have a legal obligation to provide waste transfer notes describing what type of waste they produce, how much they produce, how it is presented for collection, and which licenced waste carrier is responsible for removing it.
When commercial waste is presented for collection, it must clearly be labelled showing which licenced waste carrier is responsible for collecting it.
Subscribe for free