Green councillors on Bath & North East Somerset Council have joined forces with Independent and Conservative colleagues to call in a controversial decision on business waste collections in central Bath.
The decision (E3620), made by the Cabinet Member for Resources on 4 July 2025, proposes a pilot scheme from September that would alter the evening collection window for business waste to 6pm–8.30pm, make labelling of waste mandatory, and enforce the use of reusable rubbish bags (RRBs).
While the Green Group recognises the importance of improving the public realm for residents and visitors, they argue the changes risk doing the opposite.
“We’re deeply concerned that this decision could lead to more waste collection vehicles circulating through Bath’s narrow streets, including pedestrianised and low-traffic areas,” said Cllr Joanna Wright, Green Group. “This goes directly against the council’s own Vision Zero strategy, which commits to eliminating road danger. It also risks undermining the visual appeal and visitor experience the changes are supposed to enhance.”
The call-in notice highlights widespread opposition from businesses, with 93% of respondents to the council’s consultation rejecting the proposed change to evening collection times. Many businesses warned that the new 6pm–8.30pm window would mean higher staffing costs, as 43% of them currently close by 5pm and would need to pay staff to stay late to put out waste and bring containers back in.
The council’s own assessment estimated an additional annual cost of £3,000 per business, but councillors argue this figure is a significant underestimate.
“Small, independent businesses are the lifeblood of our city and are already under immense pressure,” added Cllr Wright.“This decision risks piling on unfair costs at a time when they can least afford it. Let’s be clear: supporting local businesses and tackling the climate emergency must always come before chasing aesthetic improvements.”
The call-in also raises concerns about increased HGVs movements in the city centre, potentially conflicting with Bath’s Clean Air Zone objectives and the council’s Journey to Net Zero strategy.
The cross-party group of councillors is asking for the decision to be reconsidered to ensure that public realm improvements are achieved without unintended negative impacts on road safety, the environment, businesses, or the visitor experience.