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Some of our processes and policies have been updated to help us develop new ways of tackling pollutions.
This update is a huge step in our fight against the wrong things entering the sewers and causing blockages, flooding or pollutions of the local environment. It is also a fundamental part of delivering our core purpose - to bring environmental and social prosperity to the region we serve through our commitment to love every drop.
We have always been committed to minimising pollutions which has included trying to protect food serving establishment (FSE) from blocked pipes and safeguarding them from fines and penalties. But we need to balance this with the impact that it’s consistently having on the environment, the flooding implications for communities and the cost of having these blockages removed.
Notice of recharge
A ‘notice of recharge’ is when we ask you to pay for the costs incurred to deal with a blockage – or damage to the public sewer – caused by fat oil and grease discharged from your commercial kitchen.
Our contract partners ECAS manage the process from start to finish on our behalf. They’ll share with you the evidence they’ve collected and the number of attempts we’ve made to work with you.
Why we recharge
An FSE business is required by law to ensure waste does not block or damage the sewer network, this includes anything which is likely to damage it, restrict or block its flow or affect the treatment and disposal of its contents.
We’ve provided guidance and training to protect businesses and communities to prevent waste like fat, oil and grease from entering the sewers. But if FSE’s are continuing to cause repeated blockages in the sewer network and refuse to put the necessary steps in place to stop fat oil and grease entering the sewer network, we can issue a 'notice of recharge' to cover the cost of the blockage removal.
It’s important that we see your commitment to positive change as it's not enough to have a grease management system in place – but it must also be maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions.