Community Spirit Shines as Salford Quays Cleanup Hits 1,000 Bag Milestone

Salford’s fight against litter has reached a major milestone, as the Clean Up Salford Quays campaigncelebrated collecting its 1,000th bag of rubbish since its relaunch last autumn.

The campaign, which restarted in October 2023, has become a symbol of community action and civic pride. Led by local councillor Paul Heilbron and backed by the Salford Quays Liberal Democrats, the initiative has drawn residents, volunteers, and local organisations together in a shared mission to restore the area’s streets, green spaces, and waterfronts.

The 1,000th bag was filled during a clean-up session on Sunday, 22 June—marking a key moment in the group’s growing legacy. Cllr Heilbron, who has played a hands-on role in many of the clean-ups, described the achievement as “a powerful reminder of what communities can achieve when they come together.”

“It’s not just about picking up litter — it’s about reclaiming pride in where we live,” he said. “Reaching 1,000 bags is a sign that Salford residents care deeply about their area and are willing to get stuck in to make it better.”

A Grassroots Movement With Growing Momentum

Since relaunching, Clean Up Salford Quays has rapidly grown in scale and ambition. Monthly litter picks, community days, and environmental workshops have helped to build a sense of local ownership over the area’s public spaces.

One of the key partnerships driving momentum has been with the Salford Watersports Centre, whose team has supported waterside clean-ups and provided facilities for volunteer events. The campaign has also worked with youth groups, local residents’ associations, and environmental charities to maximise its impact.

Crucially, the campaign hasn’t just focused on tidying up — it has pushed for longer-term environmental improvements too. Volunteers have submitted proposals to Salford City Council calling for a sustainable litter strategy for the Quays, including better bin infrastructure, awareness campaigns, and enforcement against fly-tipping.

Volunteers at the Heart of the Success

From families and students to retirees and local businesses, the effort has drawn people from all walks of life. Many have become regular participants, forming a close-knit network of volunteers who support each other and share a collective goal: to see Salford Quays become cleaner, safer, and more welcoming.

“There’s something really energising about doing this together,” said volunteer Hannah Patel, who has taken part in eight clean-up events. “You come home a bit tired, but also proud — because you’ve made a difference.”

Looking Ahead

As the campaign marks its 1,000-bag milestone, its organisers are already planning for what comes next. Cllr Heilbron has signalled ambitions to scale the initiative further, including launching themed clean-ups, adding new locations around Salford, and securing funding for litter-picking equipment and environmental education.

The team also plans to encourage more residents to take part in small, everyday acts—such as reporting fly-tipping, disposing of waste responsibly, and holding neighbours accountable—to create lasting cultural change.

“One thousand bags is just the beginning,” said Cllr Heilbron. “We want this to become a model for how local communities across Salford and Greater Manchester can lead the way in tackling litter and environmental neglect.”

As the campaign heads into its next phase, one message remains clear: when residents take the lead, real and lasting change is possible.