Residents can nominate street for cleaning trial

Residents in Sheffield are being invited to take part in a chemical-free street cleaning scheme.

The City Council said it had heavily reduced the amount glyphosate it had used in 2026 by using a mix of weed treatments and street cleaning to tackle weeds.

The authority said plans to continue the approach had been approved and up to 20 streets can apply to take part in the year-long trial in 2027.

Councillor Mark Rusling, chairman of Sheffield's Environmental Services Committee, said residents wanted streets clean and well-maintained but there was also a strong desire to reduce chemicals.

"The progress we have made this year is really encouraging," he said.

"We've significantly reduced the amount of glyphosate being used while improving the way we manage weeds and our streets."

The council said its new approach was to combine targeted weed treatment (chemicals) with better street cleansing and removing the material weeds grow in.

According to the authority, it has used 1,605 litres of glyphosate on its highways so far in 2026, compared with 4,865 litres in 2025 - a 67% reduction.

In May, campaigners called for a national ban on using glyphosate.

Although many regulatory reports have found the weedkiller to be safe, some scientific studies suggest possible links between glyphosate use, cancer and other illnesses.

Many farmers argue the chemical is necessary to dry crops at harvest time, but the Soil Association has warned its use leaves residues in foods such as bread, breakfast cereals and beer.

Tim Birch, from the No Glyphosate in Sheffield campaign, said the widespread herbicide had been banned in many public places overseas and damaged insects and birds as well as the plant.

"There are so many reasons why we should stop using this chemical," he said.

"There are so many ways of approaching problems without using glyphosate."

Residents and councillors can submit streets for consideration into the year-long pilot scheme until 31 January.

Up to 20 streets would progress to consultation during February and March, and to be chosen for the trial, the street would need support from at least two-thirds of households, the council said.

The streets would need to pass checks about accessibility, highway condition and operational suitability.

The council said it would keep looking for new technology and glyphosate alternatives to reduce chemicals "while maintaining the standards people rightly expect from their streets".

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