FCC Environment has confirmed that more than 2,700 knives and bladed items have been safely removed from circulation since knife disposal bins were installed at the three Recycling Centres in Wigan that are operated by the business, helping reduce the risk of harm in local communities.
Data collected by Wigan Council shows that between July 2025 and early March 2026, a total of 2,736 items were deposited across eight knife disposal bins, including three located at FCC Environment‑operated recycling centres.
The vast majority of items collected were kitchen and utility knives, but the bins have also been used to dispose of more dangerous weapons. Items deposited include swords, machetes, flick knives, commando‑style knives, batons and imitation firearms, demonstrating the importance of providing safe and anonymous disposal options.
Since additional bins were installed at recycling centres in November 2025, collections have increased significantly. A single emptying in early March recorded 2,185 knives and bladed items, with particularly high numbers collected at recycling centre locations, including Kirkless (over 850 items) and Slag Lane (nearly 700 items).
The knife disposal bins remain in place and continue to provide residents with a simple, safe way to dispose of unwanted knives, removing potentially dangerous items from homes, streets and public spaces. The initiative is delivered in partnership with Wigan Council, the Community Safety Partnership and other agencies, and supports wider efforts to tackle knife crime and prevent accidents.
FCC Environment recognises that knife crime is a complex issue requiring coordinated action but believes practical measures such as disposal bins play a vital role in harm prevention.
Helen Dennis, assistant director for environmental services and operational development, said: “The number of knives that have been taken out of circulation due to this initiative is really significant, and shows the importance of partnership working across our borough.
“With the bins installed as a safe and easy way to dispose of knives in convenient locations, they are not only helping to keep our residents safe but to ensure that our environment is also kept clean and safe too.”
FCC Environments’ Contract Manager Tracy Roe said: “More than 2,700 knives and bladed items have now been taken out of circulation through these bins. Most were everyday household knives, but the presence of more dangerous weapons underlines why schemes like this matter. The bins remain in place, and we would encourage anyone with unwanted knives to use them. Every item safely disposed of helps reduce the risk of harm.”
FCC Environment will continue working with councils and partners to support initiatives that improve community safety and ensure dangerous items are removed from circulation.
