These measures were agreed by Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee in June 2021 and in March 2022.
Limiting the impact of commercial bins
Following on from consultation, the council has agreed an approach to reduce the number of commercial bins permanently left out on the city’s roads and pavements.
Not only do they create an eyesore, but can attract anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and littering. They are also proving a nuisance obstructing pavements and creating hazards.
Removing commercial bins from the city’s highways and having them stored on private land will ensure that the streets are more accessible for everyone.
How will this impact my business?
If located within a T-Zone, commercial bins and bags will only be permitted to be left out on the street from 6pm the evening before collection until 9am the following morning. At all other times, commercial bins and sacks must be stored on private land inside the business premises.
You can find out if your business is in a T Zone at: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/t-zones
The T-Zone areas will be monitored by the Environmental Enforcement Team as part of their daily routine to tackle environmental crimes.
If a business leaves a bin or bag of waste on the public highway outside of the time-banding, they may receive a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) fine of £110.
Also, all commercial waste bins will need to be clearly labelled with the business name and must be kept locked with lids firmly shut.
You should speak to your waste provider about your options if your bin(s) are currently left on the highway. Alternatives include:
- Arranging for a smaller container, or sacks and more frequent collections
- Arranging for collections to take place from private land or property
- Arranging for a member of staff to be present to bring bins out for collections
- Changing your collection time with waste provider
- Utilising alternative sack style collections from waste collection providers.
- Utilising the council’s commercial sack scheme for refuse which can be placed in a communal waste street bin
- If your current waste provider can’t help you try another provider – there are a large number who operate in the city
- Collaborating with other businesses which may have some space on private property
- Getting in touch with a similar company in another area which has time banded collections
- Thinking of ways to reduce waste
- Utilising other businesses or circular economy initiatives which may have a use for the waste
The aim is to ensure our streets are clean, tidy and accessible for all
We understand that T-Zones will impact the way businesses need to manage their waste and are committed to working with businesses on finding solutions that will work for them to reduce waste and keep streets free from litter.
Their implementation will help us to ensure our roads and pavements are free from obstruction for pedestrians and other road users, as well as removing any potential hazards too.
We consulted local businesses and organisations within the city, including meeting businesses through the Business Innovation District. Their feedback and alternative suggestions has helped shape the final scheme.
Read the full June 2021 Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee report on Commercial Bins on the Highway (item 10)
Read the full March 2022 Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee report on Commercial Bins on the Highway (item 92)