A new initiative, hoping to curb the amount of litter around takeaway food outlets, has been published by local environmental minister Alun Michael and backed by members of the industry.

McDonald’s and Burger King are just two of a host of restaurant groups to have offered their support to the new code of conduct which promotes joint working and community engagement with the aim to reduce litter associated with food outlets.

Among the code’s recommendations, businesses are encouraged to work closely with local authorities and to carry out regular litter patrols around their premises as well as assist with the provision of litterbins.

Alun Michael said: “Litter is something the Department for the environment, food and rural affairs (Defra) is determined to tackle but we can only do this effectively if everyone does their bit – the public, the government and businesses.

“Outlets selling fast food are a significant source of much of the litter which blights our streets. But if they can minimise the spread of their waste packaging, it will be a great step forward in the battle to clean up our shared spaces.”

The code was developed by Defra and environmental campaigners ENCAMS and has been endorsed by the British Retail Consortium and the Association of Convenience stores.