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GMCA and Trafford council experience waste crime surge

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Trafford council have launched a campaign which aims to crack down on the fly-tipping of household and commercial waste.

The move follows the news that from January to April this year, 100 tonnes of waste was dumped in the borough and removed by the One Trafford Partnership, costing the council “tens of thousands of pounds”.

The council emphasised that the money spent is out of the essential budget, which could be used on alternative services such as “schools, libraries and adult social care”.

‘Think before you dump’

Residents have also been urged to ask waste removal companies for a valid waste licence before handing anything over, as waste dumped by traders also contributed to the 100 tonnes.

The campaign follows the message: think before you dump. Residents could face up to £50,000 in fines if caught and charged through a magistrate’s court, or a £400 fixed penalty notice.

The One Trafford Partnership, a collaboration between Trafford council and Amey, have a bulky waste collection service, where residents can have up to five items collected for just £40.

Many local charity shops in the area also accept furniture, even on a collection basis. Alternatively, Recycle for Greater Manchester have a re-use facility at its Woodhouse Lane depot.

The new campaign will feature social media posts and a prominent advertising board above the White City roundabout.

‘Costing the public pocket’

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.”

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