‘Waste crime is a scourge impacting communities, the economy and the environment.

The effects of these criminals are far reaching and often long lasting. Legitimate waste management businesses lose out to criminals, who undercut their prices because they are not operating within the law. Taxpayers lose out as public money is used to stop and bring those responsible to justice and clear up the mess they leave behind. Private landowners face huge bills to clear illegally dumped waste from their land and premises. The environment suffers from the pollution dumped waste can cause, impacting people and wildlife.

Across the country our council enforcement teams work hard to tackle fly-tipping, while we work hard to stop large scale waste crimes. We often work together, sharing intelligence and supporting each other on operations to target and stop offenders’

Find out more about the Environment Agency’s work at Gov.uk