On four occasions between September and December last year, Leeds City Council’s environmental enforcement team found the bins overflowing at the back of the company’s Lands Lane branch in the city centre.
Up to 40 bags of waste were also dumped outside the bins on each occasion. This waste should have been kept within the bins to safeguard public health.
Pret’s sustainability statement says the company is committed to recycling. "When we do create waste, we follow responsible, proven disposal methods," it adds.
Appearing before Leeds magistrates on 9 May, it pleaded guilty to three charges of illegally depositing waste, contrary to section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and one charge of failing in its duty of care, contrary to section 34.
It was fined £14,000 in total, with £1,222 costs.