Latest news with #ValenciaWasteManagement
Telegraph
16-07-2025
- General
- Telegraph
My council only collects rubbish once a fortnight. Here's how I cut my waste to one bag
Every time I drive from my house into Manchester, I am confronted by Pilsworth South Landfill, an unsightly hill that could be mistaken for the surface of the moon. I've watched diggers working on it day and night, to cap the rubbish and contain the smells produced from a dump site that is rapidly running out of space. As a small island, we're not blessed with places to put our waste, and many sites, like Walleys Quarry in Staffordshire, have been closed for good after years of plaguing residents. While I'm not in Pilsworth's direct shadow, I am constantly aware of the effect that it has on the people around it. Last year, there were 'unacceptable odour issues' arising from the site, caused by fresh waste being tipped and a rotten egg smell from hydrogen sulfide building up in rotting waste. The situation is dire - and set to get worse. Scotland's landfill ban comes into force at the end of the year, and it's estimated this could mean 100 truckloads of waste being dumped in England every day. Pilsworth's operators, Valencia Waste Management, have applied for a permit to process even more mixed non-hazardous waste at the site – despite councillors' concerns about 'over-tipping'. All of this has really driven home how vital it is to protect not just the environment itself, but also the people living near these overflowing dumps. When the stench becomes unbearable, the Environment Agency's advice is often simply to keep the windows shut – hardly ideal when it's 30 degrees outside. After actively working to cut down my waste, I now produce just one bag of rubbish every fortnight – and I'd like to reduce that even further. But I'm also aware that in the endless battle against wastefulness and pointless packaging, there's only so much any of us can do on our own. I see my choices as a vote for a world without single-use plastic and unnecessary wrapping, but it's almost impossible to avoid them entirely. So how did I do it? Here are the steps I've taken to cut my household rubbish down to just one bin bag every two weeks – all in an effort to protect the environment. I compost nearly all of my food waste Food waste is a huge issue, with households responsible for around 60 per cent of it. As a keen gardener, I compost every banana skin and eggshell from my kitchen, collecting them in a caddy and adding them to my garden heap. Over weeks and months, they break down and turn the compost patch into a haven for worms, insects and birds. Pet hair, coffee grounds and plastic-free tea bags can all go on the heap too, though cooked food should be put in the food waste recycling bin instead. Most councils – though not all – will also accept meat bones in food waste collections. I even throw in natural wine corks, though they take quite a while to decompose. Recycle soft plastics at the supermarket Even though soft plastics – anything that can be scrunched, like crisp packets, wrappers, film and cereal bags – might seem harmless, they can quickly fill up your bin. I've found them almost impossible to cut out entirely, so instead I collect them in a bag and drop them off for recycling at the supermarket during my weekly shop. While these plastics aren't usually collected at the kerbside, most large supermarkets (and some smaller ones) have big collection bins near their entrances and exits. In theory, they're turned into bags for life or plastic pellets; but according to one investigation by Everyday Plastic, some end up being incinerated either here or abroad. Buying unpackaged fruit and vegetables Whenever I'm in the supermarket, I choose loose fruit and vegetables in the hope it'll encourage them to stock more packaging-free options. I carry reusable mesh bags to put them in, and some places like Morrisons offer compostable brown paper bags too. Greengrocers and zero-waste shops are great for loose produce as well – and the latter often sell nuts, cereals and pasta you can pour straight into containers brought from home, avoiding packaging altogether. Refilling toiletries bottles again and again Contrary to popular belief, it's not only zero-waste shops that offer toiletry refills – many supermarkets and larger retailers do too. The service isn't available everywhere, but you can check for nearby stations online or via sites like About five years ago, I bought a reusable deodorant casing, and thanks to supermarket refills, I haven't needed single-use antiperspirant packaging since. Even smaller towns now have zero-waste shops, making refills easier to find than ever. There are also local doorstep delivery services – just search your postcode and 'refill delivery service' – where you pay a deposit for bottles that are collected, refilled and returned, much like a traditional milk round. I also use biodegradable sponges and brushes, which end up on my compost heap. While bamboo toothbrushes are an option, it's worth noting that their bristles are usually plastic, so they don't fully biodegrade. Paid-for zero-waste bags and boxes Some plastics are notoriously hard to reuse or recycle – things like food pouches, contact lens packaging, toothbrush heads and old pens. For these, I buy zero-waste collection bags from Terracycle. The fee covers postage, and I drop the filled bags off at a locker in my local supermarket. It's a simple process that gives me peace of mind, knowing it helps reduce harmful microplastics – which we ingest between 78,000 and 211,000 of each year. These plastics are then turned into pellets used to make play park equipment. Washable nappies for my son Every minute, around 300,000 nappies worldwide end up in landfill or incineration, where they can take up to 500 years to break down. I once visited a beach in Bali covered in discarded disposable nappies – a stark reminder of the problem. While some might hesitate at the idea of reusable nappies, I found them surprisingly straightforward with my now-three-year-old. They always came out of the washing machine spotless, and I used an electronic drying rack that kept electricity costs low. I simply flushed away solids and never had to rush to the supermarket, as I always had a clean batch ready. A huge bonus was that he never got nappy rash during the two years he wore them. Repairing small things Finding someone to repair a specific item can sometimes feel like a hassle, but it's a wonderful way to support local small businesses – and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of bringing something back to life you thought was beyond use. I've managed to track down places to fix a broken vacuum cleaner, shoes and a sewing machine after some careful searching and local recommendations. Servicing items that attract dust and dirt, like vacuums or sewing machines, is also wise, as it extends their lifespan and can prevent costly repairs later on. I've even found a scissor-sharpening service where I send my blades to be restored instead of throwing them away once they become blunt. Jewellery and watches are other small items that can often be repaired locally or sent off to services like the Jewellery Doctor – just be sure to choose the right insurance level when posting valuable pieces. I take old textiles and shoes to a local charity When I moved into my house, I found some old sheets that weren't in good enough condition to donate. After a quick post on social media, I discovered the Fire Fighters Charity accepts them. They have bins outside many fire stations where you can drop off bags of used clothing and shoes. These items are then resold or repurposed into industrial wipes, rags, or car upholstery. The Salvation Army runs a similar scheme, with around 8,000 clothing banks across the UK – often in supermarket car parks or retail parks. Collections like these raise funds for charity, making it a double win for doing good in the world. I give old DIY materials to neighbours Recently, when I moved some walls on my top floor, I saved the wood from the wall frames. One of my neighbours collected it to share among his family for their log burners. He also took my old shed and transformed it into fencing for the community gardens. Having a local network like this helps cut waste – sharing tools and materials means we've avoided buying things like chainsaws or wheelbarrows that we'd only use once or twice. Other DIY materials people often welcome include stone, brick, tiles, paint, mirrors and old sinks. These are usually advertised on local Facebook groups, Nextdoor or Freecycle. Giving things away on Facebook 'Waste Saver' groups Even in rural areas like mine, there are plenty of Facebook groups where you can give away unwanted items or find things others no longer need. These groups often go by names like 'Waste Savers,' 'Freebies' or 'Giveaway' when you search for them. It's a brilliant way to keep stuff out of landfill – I've given away everything from wardrobes to maternity clothes. Before my son was born, I saved hundreds of pounds by picking up his toys, high chair, bouncers and even a breast pump from my local 'Freebie' group. It's not only great for your wallet but also a wonderful way to meet neighbours and avoid buying things you'll only use for a short while. Learning how to sew One of the best investments I've made for a lower-waste lifestyle is buying a sewing machine and learning to use it. I've made dresses from fabric offcuts and regularly mend my son's clothes when he comes home from preschool with holes in his trousers. It's a skill that's saved me a fortune – and my furniture too, as I reupholstered my secondhand sofa and loveseat myself instead of sending them to landfill. I learnt to sew by attending classes and joining a local craft group, which was a fun way to meet interesting people I wouldn't have crossed paths with otherwise. Since then, sewing has become a relaxing pastime that helps me find a moment of mindfulness in the evenings. Selling broken technology In our throwaway culture, one of the best things we can do for the planet is resist the urge to toss something the moment it stops working. I've made over £400 selling broken tech on eBay, so it's definitely worth a try – many buyers there make a living by fixing and reselling items. It's not just obvious things like laptops and phones; items like baby monitors and camera lenses can also be refurbished. I've sold broken camera lenses and a monitor with a damaged charging port within minutes, proving there's real value in things we often assume nobody would want, even if they're not working.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Life on the streets near the Pilsworth landfill site
Last year it pumped out putrid smells that hit the people of Bury and Rochdale in the nostrils, but one small area has been dealing with these problems for years. The Pilsworth South Landfill, just off Junction 3 of the M66 motorway, quite literally caused a stink at the beginning of 2024. Politicians described it as "like being hit in the face" and locals said they'd been left feeling sick. There were even calls for site operator, Valencia Waste Management, to have their licence revoked over the problem. The Environment Agency (EA) installed new monitoring facilities to track air quality around the site in the aftermath. But EA bosses later said there were no plans to remove Valencia's licence after action on odour was taken. For residents who live in the houses on Heap Street – this stench was nothing new. The people living in these homes, on the edge of Heywood, are the closest residents to the landfill site. The infamous "Pilsworth stink" is just one of a number of problems they've had with the site over the years. 'It used to stink,' according to local resident Barry Wolstenholme. Barry Wolstenholme, who lives on Heap Street with his wife Greta 'You couldn't leave your windows open. 'It wasn't right, last summer when it was really warm and you wanted your windows open. 'You'd think they'd go somewhere else with more of the rubbish. It shouldn't just be here. 'They'll be making good money from it, but we suffer with it. 'When they found all that rotten meat a few years back the bluebottle flies that came as a result were awful. "You just don't know what they're dumping.' Pointing in the direction of the landfill site just half a mile away, Barry added: 'When you come down here, you can see that. It's like Mount Everest of rubbish.' His wife Greta was concerned about the health and safety aspects. Reflecting on the six months of stink, she said: 'It was completely awful. As soon as you're on the motorway you could smell it. 'It has been steadily getting worse over the last few years really. We're used to the farm smells, but this was something different. 'We are really worried about health and safety. There is a school here so it can't be good for them.' Heap Street, Heywood, near the Pilsworth South landfill site Fereshteh, who lives just around the corner off Bury Old Road, had the same concern as Greta. She didn't open her windows or want to let her daughter play out during the stink over fears for her health. When her daughter returned from school, she asked her whether she wanted to play out when all that was going on, her response was "absolutely not, it was horrid". Bury Old Road, Heywood, near the Pilsworth South landfill site The area is now heavily industrialised, but used to mainly be farmland. So for Dennis Hatherley, who has lived in the area since 1973, the smell wasn't much of a problem. Dennis Hatherley, 79, a Heap Street resident The 79-year-old told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: 'It's never been a major concern for me. "I'm so used to it by now. 'It's a lot higher now than when it was a farm. "The smell was never too bad here to be honest. 'Some people were very put out by it. It was no worse than cow slurry smells you get around here. 'The smell didn't bother me, I'm used to farmyard smells. "They were more upset about the smell in the centre of Heywood. 'It never seemed too bad, but there were some that claimed it made them vomit.' The Heap Street resident went on to say that under previous management there used to be meetings between locals, politicians and the operator to discuss any problems. He would welcome the return of something similar to iron out any future issues. This could be needed as there are now growing concerns because the landfill site is about to get even bigger. A draft permit has been issued by the EA to increase the volumes of mixed non-hazardous waste allowed to be treated at the site's new recycling plant. The idea behind the new plans would see recyclable material already in the landfill site and other rubbish being brought in reprocessed. Derek Stubbs has reservation over the new processing plant. He has lived in the Heap Street area for the majority of his life and his children all live locally. Derek Stubbs, 65, who lives near to the Pilsworth South Landfill site The 65-year-old said: 'The council are moaning about it, but nothing seems to be changing. The smell has calmed down, but there is no guarantee it'll last. 'It used to be a quarry so it started fairly low down and now it's getting higher and higher. I'm worried it could become Heywood's skyline. 'We have to pass through it more as we live here. "We get the smell and the problems because we have to cut through, it's more personal to us. 'I like the area because it's nice and quiet, but that lets it down. It's the shame of the area. 'Other than that, it's a perfect location.' He went on to point out the area's countryfied location alongside its quick links to the M66 and M60 motorway networks. READ NEXT > The 'vanguard' town on the precipice of major change READ NEXT > Best of town comes together to showcase talent at carnival Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to the Bury Times morning newsletter as well as our breaking news alerts Although wary about the new processing facility, Derek was more concerned about the state of the roads around the site. He added: 'The concern I have is the rubbish down the road. I think the wind puts it there. 'You'd think they'd have cameras there to stop the littering and fly-tipping. 'It's for them to move rubbish, that's their land, they're not caring for the community in terms of keeping things clean.' One of his neighbours, Andy Hall, used to live in Unsworth when the Pilsworth stink hit early last year. He described the smell as "horrendous". Despite moving closer to the landfill site geographically, the smell problems he says are less. He feels the new processing facility will actually improve things. However, Andy shares concerns over the state of the roads around the landfill site and has urged Valencia to clean up after themselves properly. 'With the new plans, if they're going to be recycling more material rather than putting it in the landfill, that would be better,' Andy told the LDRS. 'This is because it would take rubbish away from the landfill. 'I wouldn't want it to go back to how it was when it was stinking. The EA are very strict about this stuff now. 'My concern is the stuff on the roads around the site. That's their responsibility to sort that, but it's not changing. 'There is a hell of a slot of windfall litter. They need to look at that.' A spokesperson for Valencia said: 'We are pleased to see the Environment Agency issue a draft permit for our materials recycling facility at Pilsworth. 'We have invested significantly in the site since we have taken over ownership to improve the site's performance and compliance. 'Once operational the MRF will offer our customers in the region a way to segregate any recyclable material from their waste and send this material for reprocessing, greatly boosting sustainability. 'Our operations are focused on minimising disruption to our communities, the new MRF will be equipped to identify, isolate, and remove non-conforming waste before it is sent to the landfill site.'
BBC News
13-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
'Rotten stink' landfill site in Bury set to expand
A landfill site plagued by complaints about a "rotten stink" is set to expand its Environment Agency (EA), who oversee the operations of Valencia Waste Management on Pilsworth Road in Bury, said it was "minded to" approve a permit to increase the amount of waste allowed to be treated at the the final decision is made it has launched a second public consultation on the capacity of a new mixed recycling, recently built at the complained for several years about foul smells, saying they had been left feeling sick, comparing the pong to the odour of "rotten meat". Rochdale Borough Council has objected to the raised by them included concerns regarding "operator competence" at the site, issues with air quality and worries about odour checks and potential the initial consultation there were 289 responses received from the public. The EA said many objections included "concern over the impact from odour," but in the draft report the EA said: "We are satisfied that there will not be a significant impact from odour."The Local Democracy Reporting Service contacted Valencia Waste Management for a response. In March 2024, Rochdale town hall leader Councillor Neil Emmott joined Bury Council leader Eamonn O'Brien and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham in calling for the operator to be stripped of its licence after smell complaints EA installed new monitoring facilities to track air quality around the site and later said there were no plans to remove Valencia's licence after action on odour was consultation on the expansion runs until 4 July. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
