Salford cracks down on rubbish dumped on streets

Salford residents are now fighting back against fly-tipping by leaving tape and notes on rubbish bags stating they are “under investigation”.

Residents have been sharing pictures of the rubbish with a new yellow and black tape, that appears similar to hazard warnings, on social media.

Councillor John Mullen told a Community and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Panel that the council are often berated for litter on the streets but he claims it’s our “friends and neighbours” dumping it who are responsible.

He had been sent a post relating to fly-tipping on Langworthy Road and arranged a team to clear it up.

Salford’s Litter Heroes have been fighting back against the illegal dumping of rubbish on our streets.

Brenda Jean Cogswell wrote to her fellow litter-pickers: “Only 5 bags this morning, Worsley rd and half of New Lane, great weather to pick in, had to come home due to SOS syndrome.. ( s**t on shoe) 😡 the amount of dog poo is revolting…”

Meanwhile, others have now begun to use a website, called ClearWaste, which allows you to report fly-tipping near you to the relevant authority.

SalfordNow understands that due to current court backlogs, even if someone was caught for fly-tipping, it could take between 18 months and two years for a successful prosecution.

Waste teams who investigate fly-tipping can sometimes find clues to link the waste to an individual or an address, sometimes letters, documents or even bank statements that have been discarded, which allows the council to pursue a prosecution.

Fly-tipping of waste is a criminal offence which carries a fine of up to £50,000. Offenders can even be sent to prison for up to five years in custody.

Salford City Council said it “treats this problem very seriously and will prosecute anyone caught fly-tipping waste in the Salford area.

“Waste is often dumped from vehicles – and the owner can also be prosecuted if the vehicle (not the driver) is identified. The police also have the powers to seize vehicles used for fly-tipping.”

You can report fly-tipping to Salford City Council on their website.