The business community has a key role to play in the fight against litter, for a number of reasons. Perhaps most importantly, improving the cleanliness of our business districts can only help to attract new customers and companies, and to make the Falkirk Council area a great place to live, work, shop and visit.
We have developed strong partnerships with Falkirk & District Town Centre Management Ltd and with the Council's town centre regeneration team. We have benefited from the networks both have established with town centre and district centre businesses.
We are also looking forward to working with the Business Panel, part of the ‘My Future’s in Falkirk’ initiative, and hope subsequently to develop new partnerships with a wide range of businesses within the Falkirk Council area.
Community Litter Plan
In August 2005 Falkirk Council’s ‘Community Litter Plan|’ was launched. The Plan outlines the approach we are taking to stem the problem of litter in the area. In particular it details how we are encouraging schools, businesses and the wider community to get involved.
Primary responsibility for litter disposal must always lie with the consumer. It is important that businesses understand that we do not hold them responsible for the behaviour of their customers.
However we do believe that businesses have a ‘social responsibility’ to help to prevent, control and reduce litter associated with the products that they sell. ‘Food on the go’ outlets in particular can help by trying to influence the behaviour of their customers after they leave the premises. This can be done, for example, through the display and distribution of promotional materials and packaging carrying anti-litter messages.
For more ideas and information, please go to ‘Supporting our campaign|’.
Legal responsibilities
Businesses do have a legal responsibility for the management of the rubbish they produce as a result of their trade. If commercial waste is not properly contained and stored, or if it is placed out on the pavement too early or too late for collection, it can escape and become litter.
Further information is available by going to ‘Litter and the law|’ & ‘Information and advice|’.