We are seeking views on proposed changes to the evening collection window for business waste collections, and a proposed enforcement of reusable rubbish bags for commercial waste.
What the current arrangements are
There are restrictions on the timings waste and recycling can be put out for recycling by businesses. The existing collection times have been in place for many years, however we have recently reviewed them and would now like your views on changes to the evening collection window.
A high proportion of businesses within the heritage centre are unable to use bins to store their waste. This often leads to gull scavenging and litter from waste sacks left out for collection. Some collection contractors provide reusable bags to help contain waste.
Generally, most businesses and collection contractors operate efficiently to clear waste and recycling from the streets of inner Bath. However, when problems do occur it is not always obvious who the producer of the waste blighting the streets is.
What we are proposing
We are proposing to make the following changes:
- changing the evening collection time from between 5pm and 8:45pm to between 6pm and 8pm
- enforcing use of reusable rubbish bags for commercial residual waste
- introducing mandatory labelling of all waste and recycling presented for collection
The later collection time from 6pm is being proposed to help declutter the streets and keep Bath cleaner during the main trading hours of the shops, to improve the experience for visitors. Our proposed changes would ensure that no business waste is put out for collection between the hours of 10am and 6pm to enhance the cleanliness of our historical city centre.
Businesses will also be required to label all loose, bundled, bagged, or bin waste and recycling bins and sacks of waste and recycling with the company name and address.
Have your say
We are actively writing to all businesses within central Bath in February 2025 to seek their views on the proposed changes and any potential impacts or improvements this may present to them.
We are also writing to all waste collection contractors known to operate within Bath area and asking them to provide their views.
We would also welcome any feedback on the proposed changes from residents and visitors.
The consultation is open from Thursday 20 February 2025 to 5pm on Monday 31 March 2025. You can take part in the consultation by completing the online survey below.
Other ways to respond
We will collect your feedback using the online form on this webpage. However, if you require a paper copy of the form, or need an alternative format please email us at council_connect@bathnes.gov.uk or call 01225 39 40 41.
Take part in a consultation event
We will be holding drop-in sessions where you can meet us to discuss any concerns or queries regarding the current proposals.
| Date and time | Location |
|---|---|
| Thursday 20 February 2025, 10am to 4pm | Studio 22, New Bond Street, Bath, BA1 1BA |
| Thursday 6 March 2025, 10am to 4pm | Studio 22, New Bond Street, Bath, BA1 1BA |
| Thursday 20 March 2025, 10am to 4pm | Studio 22, New Bond Street, Bath, BA1 1BA |
What happens next
We will publish a consultation report on the website.