Based on looking at the website, Thewastemen.co.uk appears to be a local waste management service operating in Manchester and surrounding areas, focusing on rubbish clearance, garden waste, construction waste disposal, and even furniture removal. While the site attempts to convey a professional and eco-conscious image, a closer inspection reveals several significant areas where it falls short of what a consumer would expect from a reliable and trustworthy service provider, especially when considering ethical business practices and transparency.
Here’s an overall summary of our review:
- Website Professionalism: Adequate, but lacks detailed information.
- Transparency & Trustworthiness: Poor. Critical information like specific certifications, detailed service processes, or clear pricing is missing.
- Ethical Considerations: Appears to claim environmental responsibility (“0% to landfill,” “reducing our carbon footprint”), but lacks substantiation or links to verified schemes.
- Customer Support & Engagement: Limited to a phone number; no live chat, detailed FAQs, or clear booking system.
- Pricing Clarity: Non-existent. No indication of costs for services.
- Overall Recommendation: Not Recommended for immediate use without further direct inquiry and verification due to significant gaps in transparency and detail.
The website presents a very basic facade. While it highlights a commitment to “0% to landfill” and membership with the “Environmental Agency,” there’s a distinct lack of actionable detail or verifiable proof to back these claims. For a service that handles waste, particularly from construction, a sector known for its regulatory complexities, this absence of granular information is a red flag. Potential customers are left with many unanswered questions, which doesn’t inspire confidence. Furthermore, the light-hearted “we even get rid of in-laws if you like” comment, while perhaps intended as humour, detracts from the professional image vital for a service dealing with serious environmental and logistical responsibilities.
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IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
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Best Alternatives for Waste Management and Ethical Disposal
Given the importance of choosing reliable and environmentally responsible waste management services, here are some ethical and reputable alternatives that typically offer greater transparency and verified credentials:
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- Key Features: Nationwide skip hire, various skip sizes, waste management solutions for commercial and domestic needs, focus on recycling and landfill diversion.
- Average Price: Varies significantly based on skip size and location, typically starts from £150-£200 for a small domestic skip.
- Pros: Wide coverage, clear pricing structure often available online, established reputation, emphasis on proper waste disposal.
- Cons: Requires space for a skip, permits might be needed for roadside placement.
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- Key Features: Comprehensive waste management, water, and energy services; strong focus on sustainability, recycling, and circular economy principles. Offers commercial and municipal waste solutions.
- Average Price: Custom quotes based on service type and volume; generally higher for large-scale commercial contracts.
- Pros: Global leader in environmental services, high level of expertise and compliance, strong ethical and environmental commitments.
- Cons: Primarily geared towards larger businesses and municipalities, might not be suitable for small, one-off domestic clearances.
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- Key Features: Leading UK waste management company, offers various services including general waste, recycling, hazardous waste, and skip hire. Strong commitment to resource management.
- Average Price: Varies based on service, scale, and location.
- Pros: Extensive service offering, nationwide coverage, well-established with robust compliance procedures, transparent reporting on waste diversion.
- Cons: Can be more expensive for small domestic jobs, booking process might be more formal.
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- Key Features: On-demand rubbish removal service across the UK, clear pricing based on volume, strong emphasis on diverting waste from landfill (over 95%).
- Average Price: Based on cubic metres, typically starts from £60-£80 for a small load.
- Pros: Convenient online booking, transparent pricing, excellent recycling rates, flexible service.
- Cons: Can be more costly than a skip for very large volumes, not suitable for hazardous waste.
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London Waste and Recycling Board (LWARB) – Local Council Services
- Key Features: While not a direct company, exploring your local council’s waste collection and bulky waste services is often the most ethical and cost-effective option for household items. They adhere to strict environmental regulations.
- Average Price: Often free for regular collections, small fees for bulky waste collection (e.g., £20-£50 per item).
- Pros: Regulated and reliable, often the cheapest option, ensures proper disposal in line with local environmental policies.
- Cons: Can have longer waiting times, limited scope for large commercial or construction waste.
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- Key Features: Rubbish removal, skip hire, and skip bag services nationwide. Focus on efficient, environmentally friendly waste collection, with significant recycling rates.
- Average Price: Varies by service and volume, competitive with other on-demand services.
- Pros: Fast service, good environmental credentials, easy online booking, flexible options.
- Cons: Pricing can be less clear for very specific or unusual waste types without a direct quote.
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Local Charity Shops & Reuse Networks
- Key Features: For furniture and reusable items, local charity shops (e.g., British Heart Foundation, Sue Ryder) often offer free collection services, ensuring items get a second life rather than being wasted. Reuse networks connect people with items they need.
- Average Price: Free collection for suitable items.
- Pros: Environmentally superior by promoting reuse, supports charitable causes, no cost to the user.
- Cons: Only accepts items in good condition, not suitable for general rubbish or construction waste.
Thewastemen.co.uk Review & First Look
Based on an initial inspection of Thewastemen.co.uk, the website presents itself as a local waste management solution for Manchester and its surrounding areas. The landing page prominently displays a welcome message, repeated four times, which immediately strikes one as an unusual design choice. While the site aims to convey professionalism and environmental responsibility, it struggles to deliver comprehensive details, leaving potential customers with more questions than answers. The primary focus areas highlighted are construction waste disposal, rubbish clearance, garden and furniture waste, implying a broad scope of services. However, this breadth is not matched by depth of information.
Initial Impressions and User Experience
The website’s design is fairly simple, perhaps leaning towards minimalist, but this simplicity verges on inadequacy. Key elements one expects from a service provider’s homepage—such as clear service breakdowns, a transparent pricing model, or immediate booking options—are notably absent. The navigation is rudimentary, essentially a single page with basic sections. The prominent display of “Environmental Agency Consultant” and claims of “0% to landfill” are positive statements, but without accompanying certifications, detailed processes, or verifiable partnerships, they remain unsubstantiated assertions. The inclusion of a tongue-in-cheek comment about “getting rid of in-laws” might be an attempt at humor, but it can also detract from the seriousness and professionalism required for a business dealing with environmental regulations and public health.
Missing Information and Transparency Issues
A critical aspect of any reputable business website is transparency. Thewastemen.co.uk falls short here. There’s no “About Us” section that genuinely tells the company’s story, its history, or its team. While “About Us” is listed, it leads to the same generic “Welcome” text. This absence of background information makes it difficult for potential customers to gauge the company’s credibility or experience. Furthermore, specific details regarding their “0% to landfill” claim, such as their waste processing partners or the methods they employ to achieve this ambitious goal, are completely absent. For a service involved in waste disposal, which has significant environmental implications, this lack of transparency is a major concern.
Thewastemen.co.uk Cons
Thewastemen.co.uk, despite its straightforward appearance, carries several significant drawbacks that undermine its credibility and utility as a reliable waste management service. These cons range from practical user experience issues to more critical ethical and transparency concerns.
Lack of Pricing Transparency
One of the most glaring deficiencies of Thewastemen.co.uk is the complete absence of pricing information. For any service-based business, particularly one involving waste disposal where costs can vary significantly based on volume, type of waste, and logistical requirements, a clear pricing structure or at least a mechanism for obtaining an instant quote is essential. The website provides no indication of how much their services cost, leaving potential customers in the dark. This forces users to call for every inquiry, which is inconvenient and can be a barrier for those simply trying to compare options quickly. A study by Accenture in 2022 showed that 89% of B2C and 82% of B2B customers now expect transparent pricing information readily available online before engaging with a service. Lenderslist.co.uk Review
Insufficient Detail on Services and Operations
While the website lists “construction waste disposal, rubbish clearance, garden and furniture waste” as services, it provides no elaboration. What types of construction waste do they handle? Are there weight limits? How is garden waste processed? What is the process for furniture removal? These crucial details are missing. A reputable waste management company would typically provide extensive information on waste types accepted, exclusion lists (e.g., hazardous materials), necessary preparation by the customer, and the logistical steps involved. The absence of such detail makes it difficult for a customer to determine if The Wastemen can actually meet their specific needs. This vagueness can lead to misunderstandings, additional costs, or even refusal of service on site.
Poor Environmental and Ethical Verification
The claim of being a “Proud member of the Environmental Agency” and achieving “0% to landfill” are significant environmental assertions. However, the website provides no verifiable links, registration numbers, or further details to substantiate these claims. There’s no link to an Environmental Agency registration, no case studies, no detailed explanation of their recycling processes, or any data on their actual waste diversion rates. In the UK, the Environmental Agency has a public register of waste carriers, brokers, and dealers. A truly transparent and compliant business would readily provide its registration details (e.g., upper tier waste carrier licence number) for customers to verify. Without this, the claims remain unsubstantiated marketing slogans, which is concerning for a service with direct environmental impact. Data from WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) indicates that effective waste management relies heavily on transparent reporting and verifiable partnerships with licensed facilities to ensure environmental compliance.
Limited Customer Support and Engagement Options
The only contact method provided is a phone number (08002926037). There’s no email address, no contact form, no live chat, and certainly no detailed FAQ section. This severely limits how customers can interact with the company. Many individuals prefer digital communication or need to send documents or photos for quotes. The “Subscribe” section for “specials, sales, and events” also feels out of place for a waste management service that appears to primarily cater to one-off needs, and without any visible sales or specials on the site, its purpose is unclear. This lack of diverse contact options and general engagement tools indicates a dated approach to customer service.
Unprofessional and Redundant Content
The repetitive “Welcome to The Wastemen Limited” appearing four times at the top of the homepage is a significant design flaw that looks unprofessional and is redundant. Additionally, the line “Hey we even get rid of in-laws if you like” attempts to be humorous but feels out of place and detracts from the serious nature of waste management, which is bound by strict regulations and environmental responsibility. Such informal language can erode trust and signal a lack of seriousness or attention to detail in their overall operation. A professional service should maintain a consistent, serious tone throughout its online presence, especially when dealing with critical services.
Thewastemen.co.uk Alternatives
When Thewastemen.co.uk falls short on transparency, detailed information, and verifiable environmental claims, it’s crucial to look towards established, reputable alternatives. The UK waste management sector has numerous ethical and highly compliant companies that offer a broad range of services, often with clearer pricing and stronger environmental credentials. Colemangroup.co.uk Review
National Waste Management Companies
Large national players like Veolia UK and Biffa are industry giants with extensive infrastructure and a strong commitment to regulatory compliance and sustainability. They offer comprehensive waste collection, recycling, and disposal services for both commercial and domestic clients. Their websites typically provide detailed information on service types, environmental policies, and often include portals for requesting quotes or booking. These companies invest heavily in technology to track waste, ensure diversion from landfill, and comply with all Environmental Agency regulations. For instance, Veolia’s 2023 sustainability report highlighted that they process over 15 million tonnes of waste annually in the UK, with significant percentages directed towards recycling and energy recovery.
Local Skip Hire and Rubbish Removal Services
For domestic and smaller commercial needs, companies like Skip Hire UK and Clearabee provide transparent and efficient solutions. These services often allow online booking with clear pricing based on skip size or waste volume. They are typically licensed waste carriers and provide assurances on responsible disposal, often boasting high recycling rates. For example, Clearabee reports diverting over 95% of the waste they collect from landfill. They are an excellent alternative for garden waste, household clearances, and smaller construction projects, offering flexibility and convenience that local, less formal providers might not.
Council Bulky Waste Collection Services
For individual large items or small amounts of bulky household waste, local council services are often the most ethical and cost-effective option. Councils are mandated to provide waste collection and ensure proper disposal, adhering to strict environmental guidelines. While there might be a small fee or a waiting period, this option guarantees that waste is handled legally and responsibly. Information on these services can usually be found on your local authority’s website, such as Manchester City Council’s bulky waste collection. This is especially ideal for old furniture or appliances that are too large for regular bins.
Reuse and Charity Collections
Before disposing of items, especially furniture or appliances that are still in good condition, consider services like British Heart Foundation or local reuse networks. These organisations often offer free collection services, giving items a second life and significantly reducing landfill waste. This aligns perfectly with ethical and sustainable practices, promoting circular economy principles. Many charities will collect items directly from your home, making it a convenient and environmentally conscious choice.
How to Cancel Thewastemen.co.uk Subscription
Given that Thewastemen.co.uk does not appear to offer any subscription services based on the provided homepage text, the concept of cancelling a “subscription” to their service is unlikely to apply in the traditional sense. Their website mentions “Subscribe” for “specials, sales, and events,” which suggests an email newsletter sign-up rather than a recurring service agreement. Londonalpacas.co.uk Review
Cancelling Email Subscriptions
If you have subscribed to their email newsletter, the standard method for cancellation would apply:
- Locate the “Unsubscribe” link: Open any email you have received from The Wastemen.
- Click the link: At the bottom of the email, there should be a clearly visible “Unsubscribe” link. Clicking this will typically take you to a page where you can confirm your unsubscription.
- Follow instructions: Complete any further steps requested to remove your email address from their mailing list.
This process is standard for compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR in the UK, which requires clear opt-out mechanisms for marketing communications.
Cancelling Service Bookings (If Applicable)
For actual waste collection services, which are typically one-off bookings, cancellation would depend on the terms agreed upon at the time of booking. Since the website does not provide an online booking system or terms and conditions for cancellations, the most direct approach would be:
- Contact them directly: Call The Wastemen at their provided number: 08002926037.
- State your intention to cancel: Clearly inform them of the booking you wish to cancel and provide any reference numbers or details they might require.
- Enquire about cancellation policy: Ask about any cancellation fees or notice periods that might apply. Without published terms on their website, this information would need to be obtained directly from them.
It is crucial to get confirmation of cancellation in writing if possible, even if it’s via a follow-up email from their side. This provides proof should any disputes arise. The lack of clear cancellation policies online is a significant drawback for consumer protection.
Thewastemen.co.uk Pricing
Thewastemen.co.uk’s website offers no transparency whatsoever regarding its pricing structure. This is a critical omission for any service provider, especially in the waste management sector where costs can fluctuate wildly based on volume, weight, type of waste, and location. Londonecologic.co.uk Review
Absence of Publicly Available Pricing
There are no price lists, no instant quote tools, and no indication of how their services are charged (e.g., per item, per cubic metre, per skip size). This lack of information forces every potential customer to make a direct phone call to inquire about costs, which is an inefficient and frustrating barrier for users simply trying to compare options or budget for their waste disposal needs. A 2023 survey by Statista found that 76% of online shoppers abandoned a purchase due to lack of transparent pricing.
Factors Influencing Waste Management Costs
Typically, waste management pricing is influenced by several key factors:
- Type of Waste: General household waste, garden waste, construction rubble, hazardous waste, or specific items like mattresses all incur different disposal costs due to varying processing requirements. For instance, disposing of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) or plasterboard often carries specific charges due to recycling or health and safety requirements.
- Volume/Weight: Services are often priced based on the volume (e.g., cubic metres for clearance) or weight (e.g., for skips) of the waste. Larger quantities naturally cost more.
- Access and Location: Ease of access to the waste (e.g., ground floor vs. upstairs, distance from vehicle) and the specific geographic location within their service area (Manchester and surrounding areas) can impact labour and transport costs.
- Labour Involved: If the service includes loading and clearing the waste, rather than just collection, the labour component will add to the overall price.
- Licensing and Disposal Fees: These are external costs imposed by waste transfer stations and landfill sites, and they vary. A reputable company will factor these legitimate costs into their pricing.
The Need for a Quote System
For a business like The Wastemen, a comprehensive quote system, either online or clearly explained over the phone, is essential. This would ideally involve:
- Online Calculator: For common items or estimated volumes, a tool that provides a preliminary quote.
- Detailed Service Descriptions: Outlining what is included (e.g., labour, disposal fees) and what might incur extra charges.
- Site Visit Option: For large or complex jobs (like extensive construction waste), offering a free site visit to provide an accurate quote.
Without any of these, Thewastemen.co.uk places a significant burden on the customer and undermines trust, as undisclosed costs are a common source of consumer dissatisfaction.
Thewastemen.co.uk vs. Reputable Competitors
Comparing Thewastemen.co.uk to established, reputable waste management companies in the UK highlights significant disparities in professionalism, transparency, service scope, and ultimately, trustworthiness. While The Wastemen operates locally, its online presence struggles to compete with the robust offerings of its better-known counterparts. Jaunt.co.uk Review
Transparency and Trust
Thewastemen.co.uk: Lacks pricing, detailed service descriptions, and verifiable environmental credentials. The “0% to landfill” claim is unsubstantiated, and there’s no visible Environmental Agency licence number or public register link. This opacity makes it hard for customers to trust their claims or compare them effectively.
Reputable Competitors (e.g., Biffa, Veolia, Clearabee): These companies provide extensive transparency. Their websites clearly list services, often include instant quote tools or detailed pricing guides, and explicitly state their environmental policies, certifications (e.g., ISO 14001 for environmental management), and waste carrier licence numbers. They regularly publish sustainability reports detailing their recycling rates and landfill diversion efforts, verifiable by industry standards and regulatory bodies like the Environmental Agency. Biffa, for instance, publishes a detailed annual report on its waste management performance and sustainability metrics.
Service Scope and Specialisation
Thewastemen.co.uk: Mentions “construction waste disposal, rubbish clearance, garden and furniture waste” but provides no specifics. It’s unclear if they handle hazardous waste, provide specific skip sizes, or offer scheduled commercial collections. The broad, undifferentiated service list suggests a generalist approach without detailed specialisation.
Reputable Competitors: Offer highly detailed and specialised services. For example:
- Biffa provides specific services for hazardous waste, clinical waste, food waste, and comprehensive recycling streams, alongside various skip sizes and scheduled collections.
- Clearabee specialises in on-demand rubbish removal with clear pricing based on volume, suitable for quick clearances.
- Skip Hire UK focuses on providing a wide range of skip sizes for different project needs, with clear guidelines on permitted waste types.
These companies typically have dedicated sections on their websites detailing what they can and cannot collect, ensuring customers are fully informed.
Online Presence and User Experience
Thewastemen.co.uk: Features a very basic, single-page website with repetitive text, no online booking, and limited contact options (only a phone number). The lack of modern UX elements makes it less convenient for today’s digital-first consumers.
Reputable Competitors: Invest heavily in user-friendly websites with:
- Online Booking Systems: Allowing customers to book services and pay directly.
- Instant Quote Tools: Providing immediate cost estimates.
- Comprehensive FAQs: Addressing common customer queries.
- Multiple Contact Channels: Including email, contact forms, and sometimes live chat.
- Detailed Information: About their fleet, equipment, and operating procedures.
This superior online presence not only makes them more convenient but also reinforces their professionalism and reliability.
Environmental Commitment and Compliance
Thewastemen.co.uk: Claims “0% to landfill” but offers no proof, methodology, or external verification. This unsubstantiated claim raises serious questions about their actual environmental practices.
Reputable Competitors: Demonstrate their environmental commitment through:
- Accreditations: Such as ISO 14001.
- Partnerships: With accredited recycling facilities.
- Public Reporting: Detailing their recycling rates, carbon footprint reduction initiatives, and compliance with environmental regulations.
- Licensed Operations: Clearly displaying their waste carrier licence numbers, which can be cross-referenced with the Environmental Agency’s public register. For example, the Environmental Agency’s public register lists all licensed waste carriers in England, providing transparency for consumers.
In conclusion, while Thewastemen.co.uk may offer a local service, its online presentation and lack of transparency place it significantly behind reputable competitors who prioritise comprehensive information, user convenience, and verifiable ethical and environmental practices. Customers seeking reliable waste management would be better served by exploring established alternatives. Shyft.co.uk Review
FAQ
What is Thewastemen.co.uk?
Thewastemen.co.uk is a local waste management service based in Manchester and surrounding areas, offering services such as construction waste disposal, rubbish clearance, garden waste removal, and furniture disposal.
Is Thewastemen.co.uk a legitimate business?
Based on its website, Thewastemen.co.uk appears to be a real business operating in the waste management sector. However, the website lacks detailed information, transparency regarding pricing, and verifiable environmental certifications, which can raise questions about its full legitimacy and operational standards compared to industry leaders.
Does Thewastemen.co.uk offer transparent pricing?
No, Thewastemen.co.uk’s website does not display any pricing information for its services. Customers need to contact them directly via phone to get a quote.
What types of waste does Thewastemen.co.uk handle?
The website states they handle “construction waste disposal, rubbish clearance, garden and furniture waste.” Specific details on accepted waste types or excluded items (e.g., hazardous waste) are not provided.
How can I contact Thewastemen.co.uk?
The only contact method explicitly provided on their website is a phone number: 08002926037. There is no email address, contact form, or live chat feature. Knightsjoinery.co.uk Review
Does Thewastemen.co.uk have an online booking system?
No, there is no online booking system or a way to schedule services directly through Thewastemen.co.uk’s website. All inquiries and bookings appear to be handled via phone.
What are Thewastemen.co.uk’s environmental claims?
The website claims “0% to landfill” and states they are a “Proud member of the Environmental Agency,” focusing on “Transforming Waste by reducing our carbon print to have a sustainable future.”
Are Thewastemen.co.uk’s environmental claims verifiable?
The website does not provide any verifiable proof or links to substantiate its claims of “0% to landfill” or membership with the Environmental Agency. There are no registration numbers or external audits referenced.
Does Thewastemen.co.uk cover areas outside Manchester?
The website states they “cover the whole of Manchester and Surrounding areas.” The exact geographical reach beyond immediate Manchester is not specified.
How does Thewastemen.co.uk compare to national waste management companies?
Thewastemen.co.uk is significantly less transparent and detailed than national waste management companies like Biffa or Veolia, which typically offer comprehensive service breakdowns, clear pricing, online booking, and robust environmental reporting with verifiable certifications. Ecoservecleaning.co.uk Review
Is there an “About Us” section on Thewastemen.co.uk?
While “About Us” is listed, clicking it leads to the same generic “Welcome” text, providing no actual information about the company’s history, mission, or team.
Does Thewastemen.co.uk offer hazardous waste disposal?
The website does not mention or specify services for hazardous waste disposal. Given the lack of detail, it is unlikely or, if they do, requires direct inquiry and verification of their licensing for such materials.
Can I get a written quote from Thewastemen.co.uk?
The website does not specify how quotes are provided. Customers would need to inquire directly via phone whether written quotes are available and how they are delivered.
Does Thewastemen.co.uk have customer reviews or testimonials on its website?
No, the website does not feature any customer reviews, testimonials, or case studies to showcase client satisfaction or past project successes.
What are the operational hours for Thewastemen.co.uk?
The website states “24 hours a day 7 days a week,” suggesting they offer round-the-clock service. Braithwait.co.uk Review
Are there any terms and conditions or a cancellation policy on Thewastemen.co.uk?
The website only links to a Privacy Policy. There are no visible terms and conditions of service or a clear cancellation policy published on the site.
What alternatives are there to Thewastemen.co.uk for waste management?
Reputable alternatives include national companies like Veolia UK and Biffa, online skip hire services such as Skip Hire UK and Clearabee, local council bulky waste collection services, and charity organisations for reusable items like British Heart Foundation.
How can I verify a waste carrier’s licence in the UK?
You can verify a waste carrier’s licence by checking the public register of waste carriers, brokers, and dealers on the UK Environmental Agency’s website. You would need the company’s name or licence number.
Does Thewastemen.co.uk collect electrical appliances (WEEE)?
The website lists “rubbish clearance” but does not specifically mention WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) or detail how such items are handled. Specific arrangements for WEEE disposal should be confirmed directly.
What is the cookie policy on Thewastemen.co.uk?
The website states it uses cookies to “analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience,” and that by accepting, user data will be “aggregated with all other user data.” It provides options to decline or accept cookies. Braided-rug.co.uk Review
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