NEW rules which limit residents to 52 trips to the tip each year are set to be rolled out next week.

Ahead of the move, Bolton Council is reminding residents that waste audits are available to anyone who needs help managing their rubbish.

Changes will come into force from February 10 in Bolton and across Greater Manchester, except Wigan which already runs a permit system.

The move is aimed at clamping down on businesses and traders illegally using the waste recycling centres.

All traders and businesses have a legal duty of care to dispose of their waste – either at a licensed commercial site with a weighbridge, or by setting up a commercial collection or hiring a skip.

Residents disposing of household waste can visit recycling centres in Raikes Lane, Bolton, or Salford Road, Over Hulton. But anyone who exceed 52 visits will be offered support to manage their waste going forward.

And. the council is offering reassurance that all residents can also request a waste audit for advice to manage their waste and to support them to recycle correctly.

If people are recycling everything possible and still struggling, they may be entitled to a bigger grey bin following their waste audit. A charge of £28, to cover administration and delivery costs, will apply if a large grey bin is authorised.

In certain cases, those really struggling may be offered a ‘fresh start’ with their recycling bins, providing there is commitment to recycle correctly in future.

The council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Services Delivery, Cllr Adele Warren, said: “The limit for a standard car has been set at a level which should mean that residents disposing of household waste should really not be impacted by the changes. GMCA is bringing in these changes because unfortunately some traders are regularly using the tip to get rid of their trade or business waste for free. This automatically drives up running costs which impacts on council taxpayers.

“Despite what you may have read, you may visit the tips multiple times in any given week providing you do not exceed 52 visits in the year.

“The restrictions are being introduced to stop trader abuse and most areas across the UK have similar rules in place. However, there may be some people who are worried about the changes or who may be struggling with their waste and we wanted to take this opportunity to remind people that they can request a waste audit.”

For more information, visit: www.bolton.gov.uk.