A takeaway shop in Dagenham has been ordered to pay over £1000 after failing to provide Waste Transfer Notes – a document that must be completed when waste is transferred from one party to another.

Moon Pizza in Broad Street first came under the spotlight when officers visited the premises back in July 2017 and a random trade waste inspection was carried out.

Mr Abdul Mohammadi, who ran the chicken and pizza takeaway, was unable to provide any documents at the time of the visit, having explained that he had recently shown the council his waste transfer notes.

The officer served a formal notice requesting evidence of how the company dispose of their commercial waste and to provide notes to the council for the previous two years for general, recycled, cardboard and cooking oil waste.

Mr Mohammadi failed to produce the documents within 14 days and was given a further seven days to provide evidence.

A month later an email was received containing the waste transfer notes, but after examination it was discovered there were a number missing and obvious gaps in the transfer periods with some of the transfer notes incorrectly filled in.

We have to take a zero-policy approach against anyone who continues to break the rules

A fixed penalty notice of £300 was issued to the company in September 2017 but Mr Mohammadi again failed to discharge his liability by paying the penalty and a notice of intended prosecution was issued.

The case was heard at Barkingside Magistrates Court on 13 April 2018 and Mr Mohammadi pleaded guilty to the charge even though he thought he had supplied the relevant documents.

The offence was contrary to s.34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 by failure to provide waste transfer notes and a £300 fine was issued along with a 14-day collection order.

Mr Mohammadi was also ordered to pay £696 in costs to the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and other conditions of the sentence that was £30.

Jonathon Toy, Operational Director for Enforcement Services, said: “Whether you are a business or a resident, it is vital that you take the right measures to dispose of your waste properly.

“Waste and fly-tipping are some of the biggest concerns raised by our residents and we will take the strongest possible action against those who cannot follow the rules on waste disposal.

“We always encourage local businesses in the borough, but we have to take a zero-policy approach against anyone who continues to break the rules.”