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Bank holiday information - May

Bank holiday information for our services, including opening times and emergency contacts. All recycling collections will take place on the usual days.

Herbicides containing glyphosate

Read more about our use of herbicides containing glyphosate.

What is glyphosate?

Glyphosate is the active substance in many herbicide products and is widely used around the world. It is the most effective substance for controlling invasive species and in some cases the only effective substance.

Why is weed control necessary?

Weed control on amenity areas such as street pavements and footpaths is a crucial service undertaken on behalf of local community. A good quality, consistent weed control progamme reduces slip and trip hazards and potential access issues, reduces the damage caused by root growth to urban surfaces and improves aesthetic appeal.

How is the use of glyphosate monitored and controlled?

Risks associated with the use of pesticides in amenity areas, such as parks, are specifically considered as part of the authorisation process. Legally enforceable conditions of use are imposed on the way products can be applied to ensure the public are not exposed to levels of herbicides that would harm health or have unacceptable effects on the environment. The parks departments' use of the product is targeted and then only by authorised and qualified operatives who have the skills and knowledge to use it within the conditions specified.

Are any qualifications required to use glyphosate professionally?

UK law requires operators hold at least NPTC PA1 and PA6 certifications to use glyphosate professionally. Training covers the safe use, storage and handling of pesticides with emphasis on techniques that minimise use and off-target drift. All Swansea Council employees who use the product are suitably qualified.

What are the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) requirements for applying glyphosate?

Whilst glyphosate products vary in terms of their chemistry, the specific PPE requirement is always detailed in the product label. For application of diluted product (as in an amenity setting) coveralls are required, however the use of engineering solutions (such as low drift nozzles) can preclude the need for gloves and further PPE.

I have read that glyphosate is harmful to human health, is it safe for the council to use it?

Yes. Glyphosate has been subject to hundreds of clinical trials that have concluded that glyphosate is indeed safe when used under label recommendations. Many common household products have a higher acute toxicity than glyphosate, including table salt, caffeine and ibuprofen.

The European Chemicals Agency's (ECHA) Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) published the results of their latest review on 30 May 2022. The Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) recommended no change in the classification of Glyphosate. They agreed that there was no scientific reason to change the classification of glyphosate. Based on a wide-ranging review of scientific evidence, the committee again concludes that classifying glyphosate as a carcinogen is not justified. The formulated products will continue to be classified as non-hazardous.

Why does the council use glyphosate and no other herbicides?

Glyphosate is by far the most efficient and cost-effective method for the broad-spectrum treatment of common weeds. Some alternative methods do see specific niche use, but none can approach the value and efficacy of total systemic herbicide (specifically glyphosate), particularly when addressing the scale of treatment required for street pavements. Moreover, alternative methods (for example steam) often come at the price of a significantly increase carbon footprint.

Is glyphosate used in amenity areas?

Herbicides in amenity areas are used responsibly and only as part of an integrated programme of control. They can help deliver substantial benefits for society which include: management of conservation areas, invasive species and flood risks; access to high quality sporting facilities; and safe public spaces (for example, by preventing weed growth on hard surfaces creating trip hazards), industrial sites and transport infrastructure. Parks primarily use the product for control of invasive species such as Knotweed and safety as described above within a programme of work that is constantly reviewed. Parks use of the product is targeted and then only by authorised and qualified operatives who have the skills and knowledge to use it within the conditions specified.

What has the council done to reduce the use of glyphosate?

The council has reduced its use of the substance considered by removing its use for cosmetic and efficiency purposes such as around signs and other verge furniture. Strimming of these areas is  now used instead.

How soon after application can people or pets use the area?

Immediately - there is no requirement to restrict access to an area that has recently been treated with glyphosate under normal usage conditions.

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