A takeaway owner in County Durham was fined nearly £1,000 after his business’s waste was illegally dumped.
Durham Council sued John Peart, who lives on Davis Crescent, Langley Park. Wardens found the trash in a layby between Brandon and Brancepeth.
The trash included food and cartons. Wrappers, cardboard, and paper were present alongside receipts from Baxter’s Pizza and Grill.
The council sent Peart a letter asking him about the trash, as he owns Baxter’s Pizza and Grill. Peart did not respond, and he then received a formal notice including an interview date, which he skipped.
The council informed the court that Peart’s business waste was on public land, and he did not prevent the dumping. The court found him guilty because he did not take reasonable measures.
Peart must pay a £400 fine, a £160 surcharge, and £431 in costs, for a total of £991.
Ian Hoult spoke about business waste duty, emphasizing that businesses must handle waste lawfully because dumping hurts the environment and harms communities, whereas proper waste disposal avoids this. He also emphasized responsibility for both residents and businesses, stating the council will act if people fail.
Food waste rules are changing in 2025. Businesses with ten or more staff must collect food waste separately from regular waste by April 2025.