‘The revised Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), published today (Monday 1 December), sets out an ambitious five-year roadmap to tackle the nature and climate crisis, improve public health, and support sustainable growth.

People across England will benefit from cleaner air and water under a strengthened plan to restore the natural environment, backed by hundreds of millions of pounds to revive iconic landscapes.

Government will now work with individuals, communities, farmers, businesses and local authorities to deliver the plan, driving economic growth through green jobs and innovation while ensuring future generations benefit from a greener and more prosperous country.’

Find out more at GOV.UK

‘Wet wipes containing plastic are a growing source of pollution, with a recent survey showing an average of 20 wet wipes littering every 100 metres of beach across the UK*. When flushed, they can break down into microplastics that poison wildlife and enter the food chain.

Government today [18th November 2025] signed into law a ban on the sale of plastic wet wipes, marking a major step forward in tackling plastic pollution which devastates our waterways.

While the new law targets wipes containing plastic, all wet wipes contribute to blockages and pollution when flushed. UK Water Industry Research found that wet wipes contribute to 94% of sewer blockages’

Find out more at GOV.UK

‘Anyone who moves waste as part of their business operations must register with the relevant regulator.

This includes you if:

you transport waste (a carrier)
you buy, sell or dispose of waste (a dealer)
you arrange for someone else to buy, sell or dispose of waste (a broker)
In England you can register directly with the Environment Agency online as a waste carrier, broker or dealer: Register or renew as a waste carrier, broker or dealer – GOV.UK

Registration is free if you only transport waste you produce yourself (unless it is construction and demolition waste).’

Find out more at GOV.UK

‘Residents have been reminded to dispose of unwanted items responsibly after a fly-tipper was fined for leaving furniture in a car park.

East Devon District Council said it had fined a person £200 after they had been proved to have dumped a flat-pack wardrobe, desk, chest of drawers and a sofa in Orchard Car Park in Seaton.’

Find out more at BBC News

‘Landowners and farmers are being urged to help the Environment Agency stop waste crime as new research shows only 12% reported the most recent incidents which affected them.

Networks of organised criminal groups operating across the country are targeting privately owned property and land, particularly in rural locations, to dump rubbish collected through illegal means.

To ensure it has the best possible information to identify and stop the culprits, the Environment Agency is appealing to landowners and farmers to report every incident to its 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60. Reports of any known or suspected illegal waste activity can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.’

Find out more at GOV.UK

We all have a role to play to reduce waste crime at work or at home, by only giving our waste to people licenced to take it. Always check via the Public Register (GOV.UK) before you arrange for someone to take your rubbish. If in doubt, don’t use them.