The Climate Emergency and Sustainability Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel met on Tuesday 29 July 2025 to discuss a call-in regarding changes to business waste collection in central Bath. Following discussion and votes on motions, the Panel resolved to dismiss the call-in, allowing the original decision to proceed.

Business Waste Collection Changes in Central Bath

The Panel considered a call-in request concerning the decision made by Councillor Mark Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources, to implement changes to business waste collection in central Bath. The proposed changes, due to be piloted from September 2025, included altering the evening collection window to between 6pm and 8:30pm, making it mandatory for businesses to label their waste and recycling with their company name and address, and enforcing the use of reusable rubbish bags (RRBs) for residual business waste.

The call-in was initiated by nine councillors who argued that the decision lacked sufficient scrutiny and that the consultation process had not adequately addressed the significant financial and operational impacts on small and independent businesses. Councillor Colin Blackburn, presenting the case for the call-in, highlighted that 93% of businesses surveyed opposed the proposed change to collection times, citing concerns about staffing costs, potential business closures, and the impact on employees with rural commutes. He also raised issues regarding the potential for increased vehicle movements, which could negatively affect air quality and road safety, and questioned the accuracy of the estimated £3,000 annual cost per business. Councillor Blackburn suggested a phased approach, implementing the labelling and RRB elements while reconsidering the collection time changes.

Councillor John Leach questioned the low response rate to the consultation, to which Councillor Blackburn responded that many businesses were too busy to participate or were unaware of the potential impacts until later. Councillor Anna Box raised questions about operational logistics and access to the city centre, while Councillor Joanna Wright inquired about the impact on refuse collectors and public transport. Councillor Shaun Hughes echoed concerns about the underestimated costs to businesses.

Councillor Mark Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources, defended his decision, stating that the changes were intended to improve the public realm by reducing visible waste and deterring seagulls and vermin. He confirmed that the morning collection window would remain unchanged and that no additional vehicles would be required. Councillor Elliott also stated that the £3,000 cost estimate was a worst-case scenario and that the low response rate could indicate a lack of concern from businesses. He acknowledged that the consultation data was based on a low number of responses and expressed willingness to return to the Panel for further scrutiny after the pilot.

Following discussions, a motion to refer the decision back to the Cabinet Member for reconsideration of the time restrictions was proposed by Councillor Shaun Hughes and seconded by Councillor Joanna Wright, but it was not carried (2 in favour, 5 against, 1 abstention). A subsequent motion to dismiss the call-in and allow the decision to proceed was proposed by Councillor Deborah Collins and seconded by Councillor Duncan Hounsell, and was carried (5 in favour, 2 against, 1 abstention).

The Panel therefore resolved to dismiss the call-in, allowing Councillor Elliott's decision on business waste collection changes in central Bath to proceed. The Chair requested a report on the trial's progress after six months.