Video Footage Raises Concerns Over Grape Tree’s Waste Disposal Practices in Weymouth

Video evidence has emerged allegedly showing staff from the Grape Tree shop on St. Thomas Street, Weymouth, disposing of their business waste in public council bins. The footage appears to confirm residents’ reports that commercial waste, including food packaging, is being placed in bins designated for public use.

If verified, this practice may constitute a breach of the Environmental Protection Act 1990,

Under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, businesses have a legal duty of care to ensure all waste they produce is:

Stored securely to prevent pollution or harm.
Transferred only to authorised waste carriers.
Documented with waste transfer notes.
Disposed of via a registered commercial waste collection service.

Disposing of waste in public council bins, which are intended for public use only, is considered unauthorised disposal. Additionally, food businesses must comply with Food Waste Regulations, which require separate and hygienic disposal of organic waste.

Residents report that the video footage, taken outside the Grape Tree store on St. Thomas Street, depicts employees placing bags of shop waste into public bins maintained by Dorset Council. The footage has been shared with the local authority as potential evidence of non-compliance with waste management laws.

One business told us:

“It’s frustrating to see a national brand ignoring the rules that every small local business must follow. We pay for proper waste disposal — they should too.”

Proper waste disposal is not optional — it is a legal and moral obligation for every business. With video evidence now emerging, the alleged actions by Grape Tree Weymouth warrant a transparent investigation to ensure that environmental laws are upheld and local services are not misused.

If confirmed, the actions could lead to:

– Enforcement action by *Dorset Council’s Environmental Enforcement Team.
-Fines or prosecution under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
-Reputational harm for the business chain, which promotes a sustainable and health-conscious brand image.