A Hornchurch business has been prosecuted and fined a total of £2,075, for failing to control and store waste responsibly outside its property.
Sancilar Ltd, trading as Essex Best Kebab was taken to court by Havering Council earlier this month (January 2026).
At Barkingside Magistrates Court, the company and its director were ordered to pay the amount, which included fines, a victim surcharge and court costs.
The director was also given a criminal record.
Enforcement officers inspected land at the rear of Essex Best Kebab, in Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch, between March and September 2025.
They found that food waste was left on land open to the air and bins were left overflowing with waste.
This waste was smelling and causing an infestation of rodents, insects and other pests, near to other commercial and residential properties, throughout the summer months.
After verbal advice and the serving of statutory and fixed penalty notices were ignored, the Council took the matter to court.
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“We hope this sends out a message to all businesses, that as well as residents, they too have a duty to ensure they get rid of waste legally and responsibly.
"They also need to make sure their land and area around their business is maintained.
“It can often be a complex situation if the land is privately owned but that will not deter us in bringing the strongest action against anyone who ignores or breaks the rules.
“Littering, fly-tipping and not getting rid of waste properly, leads to anti-social behaviour and damage to the environment.
"Through our Where We Live campaign, we are looking for residents and businesses to join us to work together to take pride in our borough.”