Cardiff council is taking action against businesses on one of the city's busiest shopping streets, City Road, which is routinely strewn with rubbish. The council has already handed out 65 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) to businesses on the street that are not managing their waste properly, as part of a new programme aimed at cleaning up one of the city's dirtiest streets.
The action is intended to prevent incidents where bags are ripped open by rodents and seagulls, leaving food waste on the floor, often as a result of waste not being properly disposed of in the correct bags and containers. The FPNs were issued to some businesses after they failed to provide information about how they properly manage their waste.
Enforcement and Education Programme
Of the 65 FPNs issued, 60 cases remain outstanding, a council spokesperson said. The programme of education, engagement and enforcement aims to ensure rubbish is presented correctly, they said. In recent weeks, council officers have been visiting businesses on City Road to remind them of their legal responsibilities, including having appropriate waste contracts in place, keeping waste transfer notes, and ensuring rubbish is stored and presented correctly for collection.
To date, 86 requests for waste transfer notes have been issued. Sixteen businesses have responded, with five cases closed after satisfactory documentation was provided. The council said its waste engagement team is also speaking directly with businesses to understand their existing waste arrangements, identify any barriers to compliance, and offer practical advice and support.
New Collection Rules
Changes are also being introduced to commercial waste collection arrangements in a bid to improve the appearance and cleanliness of City Road. Under the new rules, trade waste collections must take place between 5am and 10am, with containers removed from the highway by 10am.
Cllr Ed Stubbs, cabinet member for frontline services, said: "City Road is one of Cardiff’s busiest local shopping centres and it is important that businesses play their part in ensuring commercial waste is managed and presented responsibly.
"Our approach is not simply about enforcement. Our teams are engaging directly with businesses to make sure they understand their responsibilities, identify any issues that may be preventing compliance, and provide practical advice and support. However, where businesses fail to meet their legal responsibilities, we will take appropriate enforcement action."
The changes to collection arrangements will also help reduce the amount of time waste containers are left on the highway. By ensuring collections take place during a defined morning period and containers are removed by 10am, the council wants to reduce obstructions and help create a cleaner and more attractive environment for businesses, residents, and visitors.
Future Plans
Following the completion of the City Road programme, the council said it intends to use the lessons learned to help inform similar work in other local shopping centres across Cardiff.
