Student trash: Sheffield universities launch joint litter patrols to crack down on end-of-term dumping

Enforcers will be out to combat the problem this weekend as tenancies come to an end and 50,000 students move out of rented accommodation.

The unusual move by the University of Sheffield and Hallam University comes after years of anger from residents at piles of rubbish left on pavements as renters head home for summer.

Areas annually blighted by dumping include Broomhall, Broomhill, Ecclesall Road, Walkley, Crookes, Lowfield and Highfield.

James Merryclough, sustainability communications manager at the University of Sheffield, issued a statement on behalf of both universities saying they were tackling “unacceptable” piles of rubbish, and the council was putting on extra collections. 

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He said: “The universities work closely with Sheffield City Council to help students dispose of excess waste and keep the streets clean. 

“Students are reminded throughout May and June to donate items, recycle and ensure their bins are emptied regularly. 

“In the immediate weeks around the tenancy handover on July 1, students are asked to put any excess waste in bags neatly outside which is collected regularly by additional council collections.

"We know that the end of tenancy, when the city's 50,000 students move house, is a challenging time for waste in areas with lots of student housing. 

“We patrol local areas and work closely with local residents to quickly deal with reports of unacceptable piles of rubbish, which is usually caused by people ripping open waste bags looking for usable items. 

"Since 2013, students in Sheffield have raised over £1m for the British Heart Foundation and avoided over 13t CO2e by donating items at the end of term."

Sheffield City Council said extra bagged waste will be collected in key student areas until July 7. Students should bag any excess waste and place it neatly onto the pavement in front of their property during the above period.

A spokesperson said: “Some 8,000 houses will have a collection of their extra bagged waste every two days including weekends through that period. Students will be able to provide their own waste disposal sacks rather than the council providing single use sacks. The universities and landlords/letting agents will help promote the services and the wider ‘Donate, Don’t waste’ campaign to all students.

“As a change for this year’s campaign, a follow up service will deal with bins left on the highway, contaminated bins, and damaged bins on July 11 and 12. Working through the student areas, problem bins will be dealt with over those two days. There will be additional patrols in some areas where there have been significant waste deposits and split waste bags in recent years and the council will react quickly to clear these where necessary.”