Environmental Enforcement

The One Trafford Partnership takes environmental crime very seriously and wants to ensure our neighbourhoods are clean and pleasant places.

We know from listening to our residents how important it is for your local area to be clean, free from litter and a pleasant environment in which to live. Despite all our efforts to keep the area clean and litter-free, it is an almost impossible and costly challenge while some individuals continue to dump waste illegally and be generally irresponsible with their litter. We need to take a hard line with individuals and are now stepping up enforcement.

This is not a way for the Council to generate additional income. The scheme aims to be cost neutral. Any money that is made will be put back into local projects, to support the important work of community groups who help us keep Trafford clean and green. Our priority is to try and stop those people who do not behave responsibly.

How our enforcement may affect you

How is this supported by the law?

Under Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and Section 18 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, it is an offence to throw down, drop or otherwise deposit litter / refuse in any place open to the air, and leave it.

What could I get fined for?

Uniformed Environmental Enforcement Officers from 3GS will issue a £150 fixed penalty notice (FPN) for the following:

  • Dropping litter - including items such as cigarette butts, chewing gum, fast food and other forms of litter, such as packaging.
  • Dog fouling - failing to pick up after your dog or not disposing of the dog waste in the correct way.
  • Urinating - if you are caught urinating in a public place.

The prime focus will be to crack down on people that dump waste illegally. You will be issued with a £400 FPN if you:

  • Fly-tip your waste - fly-tipping is illegal dumping on a site that is not licensed to accept waste. The waste may include general household rubbish, larger household items, e.g. mattresses and fridges, garden refuse or commercial waste. It is an offence that can lead to a fine of up to £50,000 or imprisonment.

How will it work?

Experienced enforcement officers from 3GS, wearing uniforms and body cameras, will carry out street patrols with the aim of catching people who are fly-tipping or littering. The aim of the enforcement patrols is to target those who choose to ignore the littering laws, which the vast majority of our residents abide by. These patrols will take place in every ward in the Borough.

An FPN is issued in lieu of prosecution for offences contained within the Environmental Protection Act 1990, including litter and fly-tipping.

If you have received an FPN your only right of appeal is in a court. Upon receiving an FPN, there are two options available:

  • Pay the FPN within the 14 calendar days.
  • Await the court summons or request a court hearing.

Your payment must reach us within 14 days of the FPN being served (the date shown on bottom of the FPN).

Payment of the FPN is required in full, in one payment. If you fail to pay within 14 days, we will initiate court proceedings.

How to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice

All information on how to pay can be found on the FPN. Please check the FPN before making a payment.

Incorrectly issued FPN

If you have been issued with an FPN and you feel that it has been wrongly issued, and you can provide proof that it was not you that committed the offence you can contact us. All contact details can be found on the FPN.

If you should request a court hearing, you will be required to attend a magistrate's court to have your case heard. You will need to consider the following:

  • You may need to contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau for advice.
  • You may need to involve the services of a solicitor.
  • You will need to consider the evidence that may be presented in the court in prosecution of the case.
  • If the court finds against you, you may be liable to a higher fine, a criminal record, a possible prison sentence and you may be liable for court costs.

What should I do if I see someone dumping waste?

If you witness fly-tipping please note descriptions of people and registration numbers of any vehicles being used. Please report anything that may help us to track these people to access.trafford@trafford.gov.uk

Report fly-tipping

Remember

  • You can use bins without ashtrays; extinguish the cigarette first, then place it in the bin.
  • Not having a bin to hand is not an excuse for littering.
  • Placing a cigarette end down a drain is still an offence which will result in a fine.
  • Failure to give your name and address is an offence under the Environment Protection Act 1990 Section 88 (8B).