Trafford Council has joined forces with the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative to pilot a new approach to curbside aerosol recycling. The initiative, led by industry body Alupro and supported by waste management company SUEZ, is designed to understand how residents currently dispose of aerosols and test whether clearer advice can shift recycling behaviors for the better.

The trial places Trafford among only three local authorities participating nationwide. As recycling systems in the UK prepare for sweeping policy reforms, the project represents an important test case for how local councils and industry can collaborate to reduce waste and build more sustainable habits at home.

Data-Led Strategy to Inform Best Practices

At the heart of the trial is a detailed analysis of waste streams collected from households across Trafford. SUEZ, which operates the Longley Lane Materials Recycling Facility (MRF), will sort and study the data to assess how many aerosols are captured through both kerbside recycling and residual collections. The goal: pinpoint where recyclables are being lost and identify strategies for better capture.

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

Following the initial data collection phase, residents will be provided with targeted information about how to recycle aerosols correctly and safely. Messaging will focus on demystifying the process and ensuring households understand which items can and should be included in recycling bins.

Policy Shifts Make Household Recycling More Urgent

The timing of the project aligns with significant shifts in UK recycling policy. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging is set to place more of the financial burden for waste management on producers, while a national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) will introduce financial incentives for returning drink containers.

Both policies are designed to improve recycling rates and reduce the environmental footprint of consumer packaging, including metals such as aluminium and steel. Aerosols, which are typically made of these recyclable metals, are often overlooked in household recycling despite being widely accepted by many local authorities.

“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,” said Tom Merry, Commercialisation & Innovations Manager at SUEZ. “By working with Trafford Council and Alupro, we can gain real insight into recycling behaviour and explore ways to improve collections.”

Local Action, National Impact

Trafford Council has made sustainability a corporate priority and views the aerosol initiative as a meaningful way to influence household behavior while contributing to the borough’s broader environmental goals.

Councillor Stephen Adshead, Executive Member for Highways, Environmental and Traded Services at Trafford Council, said the partnership with Alupro and SUEZ represents a forward-thinking approach to waste reduction.

“We’re really pleased to be part of this initiative to improve aerosol recycling,” he said. “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.”

A Growing Focus on Metal Packaging

Alupro, the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation, has long advocated for increased awareness around metal packaging, particularly aluminium’s recyclability. According to the organization, recycling aluminium uses 95% less energy than producing it from raw materials and can be repeated indefinitely without loss of quality.

Despite this, aerosol recycling remains inconsistent across the UK. While most local authorities accept empty aerosols in kerbside collections, confusion about safety and contamination persists among the public.

The trial in Trafford aims to change that. By providing residents with timely, accessible information, the project hopes to normalize aerosol recycling and set the stage for more consistent practices nationwide.

Sharing Lessons Beyond Trafford

Upon completion of the trial, Trafford Council plans to continue working with Alupro and SUEZ to explore additional improvements to local recycling systems. Findings from the project will be shared to support similar initiatives in other regions, helping to accelerate progress toward national recycling goals.

Trafford’s participation may be local, but its implications reach far beyond the borough.