Depending on how 'tidy' a business is they are awarded a Bronze, Silver or Gold award certificate that can be displayed on the premises.
Bronze Award
To achieve a Bronze Award, you need to:
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Inspect your shop frontage regularly and make sure it is free from litter, packaging and cigarette ends – it’s your responsibility to keep this area clean;
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Sign a Trade Refuse Agreement with a responsible private contractor who holds a Waste Carriers Certificate of Registration;
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Put rubbish out for collection at a time allocated by Gateshead Council or contractor, and not before;
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Be responsible and keep all rubbish secure in suitable containers. Never put out loose rubbish for collection;
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Have enough suitable space for waste storage between collections.
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Clear up waste spillages immediately;
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Make sure all waste disposal documentation is kept for inspection, for a minimum of two years;
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Educate your customers and reduce waste at the same time – ask your customers if they need a bag, instead of automatically handing one out and ask them to dispose of your packaging responsibly;
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Display anti-littering posters inside your business premises.
These are part of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 Duty of Care legislation, which you must meet by law.
Silver Award
To achieve a Silver Award you need to have achieved a Bronze Award and be able to:
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Recycle as much of your rubbish as possible;
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For shops with trolleys, operate a trolley pick up service, or be part of an existing one;
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Clean shop frontage, remove graffiti and fly-posting.
Gold Award
To achieve a Gold Award, you need to have achieved a Bronze and Silver Award and be able to do the following:
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Keep premises and surrounding public areas clean and tidy, even if the rubbish is not yours;
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Support neighbourhood community activities such as taking part in or sponsoring community clean-ups.