A new campaign to crack down on people fly-tipping household and commercial waste has been launched by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Trafford Council.
Illegally dumping rubbish costs the council tens of thousands of pounds to clean up and leaves neighbourhoods looking a mess.
From January to April 2024, almost 100 tonnes of fly-tipping was removed in the borough by the One Trafford Partnership. Many of the items dumped could have been recycled, donated or even sold second hand.
Clearing up fly-tipping costs the Council essential budget which could be spent on alternative services for residents, like schools, libraries and adult social care.
Waste dumped by traders also made up some proportion of this number and residents are being urged to make sure to know exactly where their waste goes if they pay someone to remove it. Residents can check this by asking waste removal companies for a valid waste licence.
For residents needing to get rid of household waste, the message is clear: think before you dump! You could face up to £50,000 in fines if you are caught fly-tipping and charged through a Magistrates Court, or a £400 fixed penalty notice. There are lots of options available for everyone to remove or rehome unwanted items.
The One Trafford Partnership, a collaboration between Trafford Council and Amey, have a bulky waste collection service, where you can have up to 5 items collected for just £40.
Many local charity shops also accept furniture: many of these work on a collection basis. Not only will you ensure our public spaces are kept clean, you could also make someone’s day with a pre-loved piece of furniture too!
Alternatively, Recycle for Greater Manchester have a re-use facility at their Woodhouse Lane depot. Visit the Recycle for Greater Manchester website to find out what they accept and find your nearest recycling centre. Residents can visit www.trafford.gov.uk/bulkywaste to book a bulky waste collection and to find out more about alternatives ways to recycle large items.
The new campaign from the Greater Manchester Combine Authority, supported by Trafford Council, will feature social media posts and a prominent advertising board above the White City roundabout, to deter anyone from fly-tipping or passing their waste to unregistered waste carriers.
A spokesperson from Trafford Council said:
“Fly-tipping costs the council tens of thousands of pounds every year to clean up, not only costing the public pocket but also our environment.
“It’s everyone’s responsibility to dispose and recycle unwanted items properly. There are lots of sustainable ways to dispose of large unwanted items, in a way that is good for the planet but can also support our communities here in Trafford. We hope this new campaign will reach the small proportion of people who do engage in fly-tipping, and make them think twice before dumping trade or household rubbish.”