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.