Residents across Brighton & Hove can now apply for their street to opt-out of the council’s weed maintenance programme by teaming up with neighbours to organise their own manual weed removal to keep pavements clear.
The council is building on the work carried out over the past two years to get widespread and problematic weed growth back under control while gradually reducing the amount of herbicide being used. This year, most areas will reduce from 3 treatments to 2 and will be running further trials of alternative methods and we are hoping that more streets will take part in our opt-out scheme.
In 2025 over 900 streets were identified as not needing to be treated with herbicide and an additional 40 roads signed up for our opt-out scheme.
A controlled droplet application of glyphosate is currently used where visible growth is present on pavements and roads to ensure they’re accessible and clear.
It isn’t used in parks and open spaces unless it’s needed for invasive species.
The targeted approach uses significantly less herbicide than traditional spray methods, but any residents who would prefer to manually remove the weeds on their street have the choice to work with neighbours and opt their street out of treatment again.
Following feedback from volunteers last year, we have simplified the process and provided a longer window for applications to the scheme.
Councillor Tim Rowkins, Cabinet member for Net Zero and Environmental Services, said: “This year we are taking steps to further reduce the amount of glyphosate, but we know some residents would prefer to manage their own streets, which is why we launched the opt-out scheme last year.
“This year, having listened to feedback from volunteers, we’ve made the process easier and adjusted the criteria to allow more people to take part.
“The council will help by providing the tools where required and will also pick up the waste.”
To be considered for the opt-out scheme, each street will need:
The council can support volunteers by lending tools if needed, and collecting the waste sacks. They will also check that each street is being maintained to a satisfactory level.
If you’d like to get involved, we’d love to have you join the team. Every extra pair of hands helps, and it’s a great way to meet neighbours and support your community
Applications for streets to opt out of the council's 2026 weeding programme can be made through the council’s website and must be submitted before Sunday 29 March 2026.
From Monday, a targeted application of glyphosate will be used to tackle overgrown and dangerous weeds on pavements and roads.
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