B&M collaborate with local engineering company WSP and Friends of Bridgewater Canal (Sale) to clear a canal footpath

A keen team of volunteers from B&M Waste Services, Salford Quays firm WSP and Friends of the Bridgewater Canal took part in clearing the litter from a well-used footpath and cycle track connecting Bridgewater Canal to the cycle network within Trafford Park/Salford Quays.

The Bridgewater Canal is a national and international tourist attraction; it was the first canal in Britain to be built without following an existing watercourse and is known as the Father of Canals.

Salford Quays is highly used by cyclists and walkers, it brings an additional contribution of half a million visitors to the local economy.

Our wonderful team gave up half of their working day to clear bottles, crisp packets, cans, plastic bags and other rubbish from the footpath into four B&M bins. These were then wheeled across the road to B&M’s Trafford Park, Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) processing facility. Materials such as cardboard, wood and metals are recycled, while all non-recyclable waste is compacted into bales, then wrapped and transported to a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) site. The thermal energy is then recovered to produce electricity and steam is generated for a local district heating system. This ensures as much waste as possible is diverted from landfill, and is therefore less damaging to the environment.

This has improved the tow path, and the journeys for all who use it, as Friends of Bridgewater Canal are aiming for a fresh approach through new lighting, CCTV and natural surveillance. This will make the area a safer and a more appealing place.

Paula Gallagher, WSP: “What a successful morning we had! Before and after photos show what we achieved.  Many thanks to everyone that took part”.

David Curtis, Director at B&M Waste “It was a great project for us to be a part of. We hope now the new law is in place, with a maximum fine of £150 when caught littering, that it will keep Salford Quays looking clean and welcoming.”