Business owners in Keswick will be targeted by council officials to make sure they are disposing of their rubbish correctly.
Because the town is home to several hotels, Airbnbs and bed and breakfasts, Allerdale council’s enforcement team will be out and about talking to owners of those businesses to make sure they are aware of the regulations surrounding trade waste and providing advice and guidance around how to set up a trade waste contract.
Councillor for Keswick Ward, Markus Campbell-Savours, said: “Since my election in 2019 I have regularly been contacted by Keswick residents who are concerned that council taxpayers are footing the bill, emptying bins for properties that have moved onto business rates.
“I therefore fully support the important work which Allerdale Borough Council’s enforcement team are carrying out, working with hoteliers, holiday let and bed and breakfast owners to ensure that they have the appropriate trade waste contracts in place.”
Allerdale council is reminding owners of hotels, Airbnbs or bed and breakfasts that it is their responsibility to make sure they have a trade waste contract in place.
Waste generated from a business operation, regardless of whether the business is part of a domestic residence, is liable for a charge for removal and disposal.
Disposing of trade waste in domestic bins is classed as fly-tipping and could result in a £400 fine.
Coun Jim Lister, the council’s portfolio holder for waste services, said: “Commercial waste, also known as trade waste, is all waste generated as a result of operating a business, regardless of their size and whether they are part of your home.
“As Keswick is home to numerous hotels, Airbnb’s and bed and breakfasts, it’s incredibly important to ensure that businesses are disposing of their waste correctly and in compliance with the law.”
“As a business owner, you are free to choose any registered waste carrier to provide your commercial waste collection service.
“However, by utilising the services of Allerdale Borough Council and Allerdale Waste Services, you will receive a reliable and cost-effective service, and have the peace of mind that we are disposing of your waste with full legal compliance, in an environmentally friendly way.”
Similar campaigns have been successfully carried out in other towns across Allerdale in the past, the authority said.
