Nigel Murphy appointed chair of GMWDA

The GMWDA provides recycling and waste disposal services for over one million households in Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford.

The appointment was announced at the Authority’s AGM last week (10 June). Cllr Murphy will be taking over the reins from councillor Catherine Piddington, Labour member for Tameside, who has been appointed as vice chair of the GMWDA and chair of the Resources Committee.

In 2014/15 the recycling rate for Greater Manchester was 44% with 77% of waste diverted from landfill, as verified by the Environmental Agency.

For the past two years, Cllr Murphy has held the role of vice chair of the GMWDA and chair of the Waste Management Committee. As well as waste and recycling, his portfolio includes responsibility for crime and community safety, licensing policy, neighbourhood management and public sector reform.

Future

Speaking about his new role, Cllr Murphy said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as the new chair of GMWDA and look forward to building on the successful work of the Authority. Recycling performance in Greater Manchester is increasing year on year but there are still many challenges ahead.

“We have ambitious targets to reach including achieving 60% recycling and 90% diversion from landfill by 2025. We will continue to work closely with our nine District Councils, partner organisations and the residents of Greater Manchester to deliver outstanding environmentally sustainable waste management facilities and services.

“We will encourage the involvement of community groups and schools through our education centres and inspire residents to recycle correctly through innovative recycling campaigns.”

Speaking at the AGM, Cllr Murphy thanked his predecessor for her contribution and support to the GMWDA.

As chair, a role which she has held since 2014 Cllr Piddington, has overseen the completion of the Runcorn Combined Heat and Power generation facility and the opening of a Solar Array in Bolton. The Solar Array forms part of the wider Greater Manchester Climate Change Strategy and contributes towards the 48% carbon reduction target.