URL: https://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4744

Decision Maker: Environmental Services and Regulation Policy Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: 10.1 Members of the committee considered a report of the Executive Director Neighbourhood Services introducing a new, coordinated approach to managing commercial waste storage by businesses in Sheffield, addressing persistent issues that affect the environment, public health, and the quality of public spaces.     10.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Environmental Services and Regulation Policy Committee;   a)    Formally approves Commercial Waste Storage Policy as set out in this report, authorising its implementation as the framework for managing commercial waste in Sheffield b)    Endorses the launch of a pilot scheme in key city centre locations (such as Backfields, Carver Lane, and Fargate) to test and refine the proposed policy and enforcement approach. c)    Authorises the collaborative working arrangements across Council services to deliver the pilot, including business liaison & evidence collection. d)    Considers and provide feedback on future options for the project’s development, including monitoring the pilot, reporting back to the Committee, assigning dedicated resources, and reviewing alternative models for commercial waste management     10.3 Reasons for Decision     10.3.1 The recommendations in this report are made to address persistent issues with commercial waste management in Sheffield, which have significant impacts on the environment, public health, and the quality of public spaces. The proposed policy introduces clear standards for waste storage and collection, improves coordination across Council services, and supports compliance with national regulations. By piloting this approach in key city centre locations, the Council will be able to assess its effectiveness, refine joint working practices, and lay the foundation for a citywide rollout.   These actions are necessary to ensure a cleaner, greener, safer, and more attractive city centre, support local businesses, and contribute to Sheffield’s strategic goals for sustainability, community wellbeing, and inclusive economic growth.     10.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     10.4.1 Alternative Option 1: Do nothing   Rejected as Commercial Waste issues are often caused by a move from retail to hospitality, many city centre developments support a change in usage meaning we need to be prepared to take action where issues arise. Also, future legislation changes regarding recycling will lead to increased number of bins and therefore an increase in associated problems and demand for action. Doing nothing would risk a rise in issues reported and a lack of preparedness to deal with the impact of changes.     10.4.2 Alternative Option 2:   Extend all enforcement powers to more services who may take enforcement action, for example, planning, highways and environmental. Rejected as extending enforcement powers to services that do not have expertise in the specific enforcement powers could lead to inconsistencies in how enforcement powers are applied and could create a risk of improper enforcement being taken, resulting in wasted time, resources and legal costs.     10.4.3 Alternative Option 3:   Fundamentally change the city’s approach to commercial waste, by pursuing our own commercial waste service or by looking to implement zoned collections. Rejected as this process would take a significant amount of time to consult and would be a large-scale project that would not have an immediate impact. This alternative is provided as an option for future exploration.      

Date of Decision: November 7, 2025