TIP workers in Bolton are being subjected to a daily pattern of physical and verbal abuse just for doing their jobs, according to the company that runs the waste centres.

Staff working at the Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) in Raikes Lane and Over Hulton are among those targeted when they challenge suspected rogue traders using the facilities illegally.

The problem has been highlighted by Suez - the firm which runs Greater Manchester’s waste services - with new countermeasures planned, including on-site security guards, improved CCTV, number plate recognition and even bodycams for staff.

Traders are not permitted to dump commercial waste in the same areas as household rubbish but some businesses still try to dupe the system. It is thought that this rogue tipping accounts for a bill of around £5m footed by the taxpayer.

The problems have become so rampant that local authorities are set to issue new rules that limit residents to 52 trips to the tip each year.

“We estimate between 10 percent to 20 percent of waste disposed of at HWRCs is illegal trade waste, which costs Greater Manchester council tax payers at least £5m per year to manage,” a spokesman from Suez explained.

“Staff working on Greater Manchester’s Household Waste Recycling Centres – including those we operate in the Bolton area - suffer verbal abuse and threats of physical violence on a daily basis, predominantly from traders we suspect of illegally using HWRCs to dispose of their waste.

“Our staff are just trying to do their job, and this behaviour is unacceptable. We will not tolerate them being intimidated and threatened.”

Suez took control of waste disposal in Bolton and across Greater Manchester in June last year, replacing former operator Viridor.

The switch came as part of a move to divert more rubbish away from landfills and into recycling plants but the new stricter rules appear to have contributed to problems for staff.

In answer to the increasing abuse, the company plans to introduce a range of new measures.

“SUEZ is working closely with Greater Manchester Combined Authority to take a robust approach to tackling illegal use of HWRCs and the abuse of our staff,” the spokesman added.

“New measures include introducing security guards on site, providing staff with bodycams to help diffuse aggressive behaviour and gather evidence, and installing enhanced CCTV and number plate recognition to help us identify and deter traders.

“We are also supporting our staff with specialist conflict resolution training to help them deal with these situations. We are prepared to take legal action against businesses using HWRCs illegally or abusing our staff and we will seek prosecutions.”

Bolton Council has also moved to offer guidance ahead of the new restrictions on tipping set to be introduced next week.

The authority has warned traders that they could face a fine of up to £5,000 if they do not register their business with the Environment Agency.

Plus, those caught flytipping face being hit with significant punishments as part of a boroughwide crackdown.

In addition, anyone attempting to use the recycling centre illegally should be aware of automatic number plate recognition cameras, which will be used to log vehicle registration numbers from February 10. Cars and vans that go over a certain threshold will be stopped by staff who will check if the waste is trade material.

Traders will be offered advice and directed to a commercial waste disposal site. For more information, visit: www.recycleforgreatermanchester.com.