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Residents can nominate street for cleaning trial
Sheffield City Council is inviting residents to nominate their street for a year-long trial of chemical-free cleaning in 2027. The scheme is part of an effort to reduce glyphosate use while keeping streets clean and tackling weeds.
The council says it has used 1,605 litres of glyphosate on highways so far in 2026, down 67% from 4,865 litres in 2025, by combining targeted treatment with street cleaning. Nominations close on 31 January; up to 20 streets will be consulted on, and each needs support from at least two-thirds of households and must pass suitability checks. Campaigners argue glyphosate can harm wildlife and raise health concerns, while the council says it will continue exploring alternatives.
In short
- Sheffield residents can nominate streets for a 2027 cleaning trial.
- Glyphosate use on highways has fallen by 67%.
- Selected streets need support from two-thirds of households.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A chemical-free trial could reduce potential risks to wildlife and address residents’ health concerns, while showing whether regular street cleaning can control weeds without glyphosate. Testing the approach on selected streets would give the council evidence about its effectiveness and help inform future choices.
The case against
Glyphosate use has already fallen substantially through targeted treatment and street cleaning, suggesting the council can reduce reliance on it while keeping streets clean. A chemical-free approach may require more frequent cleaning or prove unsuitable on some streets, so a trial should be judged against practical costs and effectiveness as well as environmental and health concerns.