Trafford Council teams up with the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative

A campaign to recycle more aerosols is being supported by Trafford Council in England.

The Council has partnered with the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative, a nationwide programme led by Alupro, to launch a new initiative aimed at increasing the number of aerosols recycled through household collections.

The trial is designed to understand how aerosols are being disposed of at homes across Trafford and how clearer guidance and better communication can improve recycling habits.

As part of the trial, waste collected from Trafford households will be analysed by SUEZ recycling and recovery UK (SUEZ) at its Longley Lane Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) to assess how many aerosols are captured through kerbside recycling and residual collections. These insights will help build a clearer picture of how residents are engaging with recycling.

Later in the project, households will be offered practical advice on how to recycle aerosols correctly and safely. By comparing data collected before and after the campaign, the team will measure the impact of improved guidance and create best practice solutions for encouraging positive recycling behaviours.

Trafford is one of three local authorities taking part in these trials aiming to improve national aerosol recycling rates and decrease the volume of valuable materials that end up in landfill. Trafford Council is committed to sustainability and has made addressing the climate crisis a corporate priority.

Tom Giddings, Executive Director at Alupro, said: “Many people are unsure whether aerosols can be recycled. This trial gives us the chance to understand how people are currently disposing of aerosols and how we can make recycling clearer and easier.”

Tom Merry, Commercialisation & Innovations Manager at SUEZ added: “With upcoming changes to national recycling regulations, including Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging and the introduction of a national Deposit Return Scheme, it’s more important than ever that we capture all forms of recyclable metal packaging. By working with Trafford Council and Alupro, we can gain real insight into recycling behaviour and explore ways to improve collections.”

Councillor Stephen Adshead, Executive Member for Highways, Environmental and Traded Services at Trafford Council, concluded: “We’re really pleased to be part of this initiative to improve aerosol recycling. By working with Alupro and Suez, we’re aiming to better understand current recycling habits and give residents the clear, practical advice they need.

“I believe small changes in behaviour can make a big difference, and this trial is a great step towards reducing waste and increasing recycling across Trafford.”

Upon completion of the trial, Trafford Council will continue to work with Alupro and SUEZ to explore practical ways for improving aerosol recycling locally and share their learnings to support national progress.