Put limits on refuse emptied near stern (8)
I believe the answer is:
restrict
'put limits on' is the definition.
(to restrict something is to limit it)
'refuse emptied near stern' is the wordplay.
'emptied' means to remove the middle letters.
'near' says to put letters next to each other.
'stern' becomes 'strict' (synonyms).
'refuse' with its middle removed is 're'.
're'+'strict'='RESTRICT'
(Other definitions for restrict that I've seen before include "Place limits on" , "Keep within bounds" , "Deprive of freedom" , "Limit, control" , "Put limits on" .)