As McDonald’s in Consett undergoes refurbishment, locals have noted a distinct improvement in the area’s cleanliness, sparking an engaging discussion on social media about the influence of fast food outlets on local environments.

At the time of publishing, the thread on the local chatterbox group has 132 likes and 64 comments on this important environmental issue. *Comments are now closed. The link to the thread here.

Residents remark that the streets appear remarkably cleaner, which has led to broader conversations about responsibility and community standards for cleanliness. The temporary absence of a major fast-food chain has inadvertently provided a snapshot of how such establishments might impact littering behaviours.

Commenters have highlighted that while there is a visible decrease in litter, particularly fast-food packaging, the situation presents an opportunity for reflection on sustainable community practices. This sentiment is echoed across several remarks noting that Consett is experiencing less litter, and surrounding areas up to Stanley may also see similar benefits. However, the cleanliness varies as one travels through different parts of the region.

The discussion has also brought to light individual behaviours, with comments pointing out that the issue of litter does not solely rest on businesses but also on personal responsibility. The conversation has taken a humorous yet serious tone at times, discussing hypothetical and exaggerated scenarios where individuals might contribute to litter, emphasising the need for personal responsibility.

Some locals have proposed that maintaining cleaner streets should be a combined effort involving not only residents and businesses but also the local authorities, suggesting that shopkeepers and fast food outlets could take greater responsibility in managing waste around their premises.

The conversation has even stretched into a comparison of wildlife behaviour, with playful comments about the local wildlife possibly relocating in search of food sources, reflecting community awareness and a lighter take on the subject of urban ecology.

The discussion was eventually closed to comments after around 18 hours, signifying a robust exchange of ideas and perspectives – and perhaps heated debate on the responsibility of McDonald’s.

This communal reflection during the closure of McDonald’s has not only highlighted the potential environmental impact of fast-food chains but also fostered a dialogue on how Consett can maintain this newfound cleanliness, encouraging a collective approach to environmental stewardship in the community.

McDonald’s was been approached for comment on this discussion regarding the cleanliness of Consett during their refurbishment period. We inquired about any initiatives or plans the company intends to implement upon reopening to help limit litter in the surrounding countryside. Here’s what was said:

“At McDonald’s we strive to be a good neighbour in the communities in which we operate. We take our responsibility around litter very seriously and are disappointed when our customers do not dispose of their litter responsibly, which is why our Consett- Pond Court Business Park team will continue to carry out daily litter patrols to ensure all litter, not just McDonald’s branded packaging is collected, once the restaurant reopens. We would encourage customers to inform our crew members of any litter hot spots surrounding the restaurant, which we will look to include in our litter patrols wherever possible.”

A McDonald’s spokesperson.

The Role of McDonald’s Packaging in Town Cleanliness

Is the town cleaner without the litter often associated with McDonald’s? Should McDonald’s take responsibility for their packaging ending up on streets and in the countryside? Given the highly recognisable branding, some might argue that it keeps their brand visible in people’s minds. If their packaging is frequently found near the establishment, it could be seen as reinforcing brand awareness. When locals see the packaging, it might subconsciously remind them of McDonald’s, potentially increasing visits from nearby patrons with a craving for fast food.

What are your thoughts on this?

Feel free to voice your opinions in the comments section below. Alternatively, if you have an interesting story to share, you can submit it to us here.


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18 COMMENTS

    • Jonathan Sinclair MDRS landrover garage…

      Avoid this company’s rental vehicles at all costs. The car wasn’t safe or road worthy, as I found out. Apon looking back at previous photos from their website, it wasn’t remotely the same specification either.
      I was left stranded half way home from their workshop on a bank holiday Monday leaving me with huge expenses, after the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree, limp mode, suspension faults, the list was endless. Ultimately the workshop had fault-cleared before handing the keys.
      Me and my small family have been left in a situation almost unbearable due to this.
      Now refusing to refund me my hard earned money threatening me with a “final invoice” in an attempt to scam even more money out of our pockets with every other excuse they can possibly think of hoping this will just go away. Playing with peoples time and hard earnt money should be a crime. I hope one day you understand how a financialy destroying scam feels like! Absolutly disgusting! Scam artists!

  1. Always makes me laugh that McDonalds refer to their glorified greasy spoons as restaurants. They say they have regular litter patrols but only around the ” restaurant ” is that not just a marketing ploy.

    • Andrew King glad to hear it they need to come up to Castleside especially Drovers Road . The lanes around Hexham are the same since the Muc Donalds opened there. Beer cans are everywhere I agree but doesn’t mean we have to shut the places that sell beer just wish some people had more respect for where we live.

    • Alan Draffan MDRS landrover garage…

      Avoid this company’s rental vehicles at all costs. The car wasn’t safe or road worthy, as I found out. Apon looking back at previous photos from their website, it wasn’t remotely the same specification either.
      I was left stranded half way home from their workshop on a bank holiday Monday leaving me with huge expenses, after the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree, limp mode, suspension faults, the list was endless. Ultimately the workshop had fault-cleared before handing the keys.
      Me and my small family have been left in a situation almost unbearable due to this.
      Now refusing to refund me my hard earned money threatening me with a “final invoice” in an attempt to scam even more money out of our pockets with every other excuse they can possibly think of hoping this will just go away. Playing with peoples time and hard earnt money should be a crime. I hope one day you understand how a financialy destroying scam feels like! Absolutly disgusting! Scam artists!

  2. It’s not the restaurant at fault it’s the customers who think it’s acceptable to just drop it /leave it wherever they want

    • Michelle Watson said exactly the same thing, wish people would take responsibilty for stuff and not just blame others for an easy route

    • Lee Charlton it’s like the other weekend we went to South Shields and we were disgusted at the amount of rubbish left on the beach !
      Carry it on in a bag so carry it off in a bag simple as that

    • Michelle Watson MDRS landrover garage…

      Avoid this company’s rental vehicles at all costs. The car wasn’t safe or road worthy, as I found out. Apon looking back at previous photos from their website, it wasn’t remotely the same specification either.
      I was left stranded half way home from their workshop on a bank holiday Monday leaving me with huge expenses, after the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree, limp mode, suspension faults, the list was endless. Ultimately the workshop had fault-cleared before handing the keys.
      Me and my small family have been left in a situation almost unbearable due to this.
      Now refusing to refund me my hard earned money threatening me with a “final invoice” in an attempt to scam even more money out of our pockets with every other excuse they can possibly think of hoping this will just go away. Playing with peoples time and hard earnt money should be a crime. I hope one day you understand how a financialy destroying scam feels like! Absolutly disgusting! Scam artists!

    • Robert Forster MDRS landrover garage…

      Avoid this company’s rental vehicles at all costs. The car wasn’t safe or road worthy, as I found out. Apon looking back at previous photos from their website, it wasn’t remotely the same specification either.
      I was left stranded half way home from their workshop on a bank holiday Monday leaving me with huge expenses, after the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree, limp mode, suspension faults, the list was endless. Ultimately the workshop had fault-cleared before handing the keys.
      Me and my small family have been left in a situation almost unbearable due to this.
      Now refusing to refund me my hard earned money threatening me with a “final invoice” in an attempt to scam even more money out of our pockets with every other excuse they can possibly think of hoping this will just go away. Playing with peoples time and hard earnt money should be a crime. I hope one day you understand how a financialy destroying scam feels like! Absolutly disgusting! Scam artists!

  3. People might say it’s mcdonalds fault for the litter but surly it is the customers responsibility to dispose of their rubbish if they choose to takeaway from the restaurant? Also to the people saying it should stay closed dose anyone realise that they employs alot of local people? If they were to close, that would be putting local people out of work pushing unemployment even higher.

    • Serena Bewley MDRS landrover garage…

      Avoid this company’s rental vehicles at all costs. The car wasn’t safe or road worthy, as I found out. Apon looking back at previous photos from their website, it wasn’t remotely the same specification either.
      I was left stranded half way home from their workshop on a bank holiday Monday leaving me with huge expenses, after the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree, limp mode, suspension faults, the list was endless. Ultimately the workshop had fault-cleared before handing the keys.
      Me and my small family have been left in a situation almost unbearable due to this.
      Now refusing to refund me my hard earned money threatening me with a “final invoice” in an attempt to scam even more money out of our pockets with every other excuse they can possibly think of hoping this will just go away. Playing with peoples time and hard earnt money should be a crime. I hope one day you understand how a financialy destroying scam feels like! Absolutly disgusting! Scam artists!

  4. No idea why people waste money on it pure crap buy a cooker and cook I find cooking your own food adds better feeling and my new 1 year old boy loves it

  5. MDRS landrover garage…

    Avoid this company’s rental vehicles at all costs. The car wasn’t safe or road worthy, as I found out. Apon looking back at previous photos from their website, it wasn’t remotely the same specification either.
    I was left stranded half way home from their workshop on a bank holiday Monday leaving me with huge expenses, after the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree, limp mode, suspension faults, the list was endless. Ultimately the workshop had fault-cleared before handing the keys.
    Me and my small family have been left in a situation almost unbearable due to this.
    Now refusing to refund me my hard earned money threatening me with a “final invoice” in an attempt to scam even more money out of our pockets with every other excuse they can possibly think of hoping this will just go away. Playing with peoples time and hard earnt money should be a crime. I hope one day you understand how a financialy destroying scam feels like! Absolutly disgusting! Scam artists!

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