Bath and North East Somerset Council plans to pilot a shift in the city centre’s business waste collection time from 5pm to 6pm starting this September. The Liberal Democrat administration argues this change will reduce early evening waste sack clutter and prevent queues of collection lorries, improving the city’s appearance for residents and visitors.
However, opposition councillors and local businesses have voiced strong concerns. A staggering 93% of businesses who responded to the council consultation opposed the plan. The council’s own analysis indicates that shops closing at 5pm could incur an additional £3,089.13 annually in staffing costs for keeping employees past closing time to manage waste disposal.
In response, a cross-party group of councillors has formally called for the decision to be reconsidered. Their appeal will be reviewed by the council’s Climate Emergency and Sustainability Scrutiny Panel on July 29. Independent Group spokesperson Shaun Hughes highlighted the challenges facing local food, hospitality, and retail businesses, emphasizing the need to protect traders from policies that could further strain their already difficult operating conditions.
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Call-in lead Colin Blackburn added that the estimated staff cost increase is unsustainable for many city centre businesses and criticized the council for overlooking traders’ concerns. Councillors warn that the true financial impact is likely higher due to factors such as National Insurance, pension obligations, daily waste collections, and additional utility expenses for keeping premises open later—costs not fully accounted for in the council’s figures.
Members of the Independents for B&NES group have also criticized the plan, pointing out the timing is especially poor given the financial struggles businesses currently face.
The Liberal Democrat council spokesperson defended the pilot, stressing its goal to improve the city centre environment by eliminating waste bags spilling onto pavements and reducing lorry traffic congestion. They argue that keeping Bath an attractive city supports business growth and long-term sustainability.
Despite identifying over 1,100 businesses, only 87 responded to the consultation—even after an extension and direct outreach—highlighting a low engagement level. Of these respondents, nearly three-quarters felt the extra staffing cost was unfair and unaffordable. The consultation report acknowledged the risk that small businesses could be adversely affected and that the policy change might undermine progress in improving public spaces.
Alongside the timing change, the pilot introduces requirements for businesses to label their waste with company details and to use reusable rubbish bags where possible. These measures garnered more support, with 76% backing waste labelling and 69% favoring reusable sacks.
As this contentious issue moves towards scrutiny and debate, Bath’s business community awaits a decision that balances environmental goals with the economic realities they face.