A controversial petition to bring back ‘eyesore’ recycling facilities on an Ecclesall Road supermarket, claims the move would be ‘a clear social and environmental responsibility’ despite public backlash.

The petition to return recycling facilities to the Waitrose gathered 432 signatures in a single month on Change.org as Tessa Lupton, a political candidate for the green party, called upon the food giants to reopen the hub.

Ms Lupton said “By refusing to reinstate the recycling point, Waitrose is effectively diverting more waste into the City’s incinerator and burning items that could otherwise have been recycled. This is simply unacceptable.

“The alternative for those who want to do their bit is forcing residents to travel further afield to recycle their waste, increasing carbon emissions and undermining the environmental values many of us strive to uphold.”

The ‘Bring site’ located in the Waitrose car park ran for many years before being temporarily shut in 2024 due to industrial action.

However some residents were not happy with the site, taking to online groups to share concerns over fly-tipping and rats.

One contributor to a local Facebook group stated “It’s a petition to force Waitrose to reinstate something they aren’t obligated to do, because going to the the HWRC (household waste recycling centre) is inconvenient for S10 and S11 residents. The site was an eyesore, constantly fly tipped when the the bins were full.”

Recycling in residential properties is set to be altered by the end of March leading to some contributors questioning the need for sites such as this.

The petition mentions these changes however Ms Lupton said “In a couple of months, we will be able to recycle more in our brown bins, and that’s great. But, for some people, that won’t be enough.”

She also stated that “Sheffield City Council are now able to put the sites back, but, unlike other supermarkets, Waitrose is blocking its return. They are not responding to requests for meetings from the Council.”

A spokesperson for Waitrose stated “We remain fully committed to working constructively with the council and engaging in any future discussions.”