‘Waste companies that operate in Bristol, Cornwall and Devon investigated over waste regulations and will pay £28,500 to environmental charities.
The companies have agreed to invest in local projects in a sanction known as an enforcement undertaking. An enforcement undertaking can be used as an alternative to a prosecution and allows money to go directly to good causes.’
Find out more at GOV.UK
‘The modern way to find many of the services, trades and products we need to buy is to look online. It’s quick, easy and you can do it from the comfort of your own home.
But it is a minefield of hidden dangers.
Criminals are lying in wait on social media platforms, apps and selling platforms that you use.’
Find out more at GOV.UK
‘A ban on camp fires and barbecues has been introduced to the UK’s largest national park in a bid to reduce the risk of wildfires.
It said leaflets, social media messages and signage would be used to help promote the ban which will also be backed up by the power to issue fixed penalty notices.
Damage caused by camp fires and anti-social behaviour has been a problem in the park for a number of years.’
Find out more at BBC News
‘Waste crime is not a new issue, but in recent years it has escalated into a more sophisticated, more damaging and costly criminal enterprise.
This Waste Crime Action Plan marks a significant step up in our response to waste crime. It sets out the decisive measures that we are taking in England to prevent harm, disrupt and prosecute offenders and clean up the damage that they leave behind.’
Find out more at GOV.UK
‘Hedges are such a traditional part of the British landscape that most of us don’t give them a second thought.’
Clean Devon recognises the many benefits of litter-free hedgerows, and this BBC podcast provides a fascinating insight into how our hedges are managed and cared for.
Find out more at BBC Sounds
‘Litter louts trashing our high streets, roads and community spaces could face losing their driving licences, as the government considers plans to step up the fight against waste crime.
With most fly tips being around the same size as the back of a small van, the government is looking at measures to award penalty points on driving licences for those found guilty of fly-tipping – which could lead to them losing their licences altogether.’
Find out more at GOV.UK
Independent charity Crimestoppers can take information on serious and organised waste crime .
Waste crime takes many different forms, including large scale dumping, illegal waste sites, illegal burning of waste, mis-description of waste to avoid fees and landfill taxes, and illegal export of waste. Much waste crime is carried out by gangs and individuals who operate bogus waste services, accepting payment for disposal without having the necessary permits for transportation or storage. If you have information about this and do not want to report to your local authority, you can report 100% anonymously to www.crimestoppers-uk.org or on free phone 0800 555111.
For smaller scale problems with littering, street litter bins, or small scale, one-off fly tipping on public land, continue to Report it to your local authority.
All enforcement agencies are working together to target environmental crime, so if you see it, report it. Together we can stop it.
‘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
‘Littering on UK roads is getting worse. That’s the clear message from a new survey of more than 11,000 drivers by The AA, which reveals more than half (55%) of drivers say they notice more litter on roads and surrounding areas.
The findings come despite ongoing efforts by local authorities, environmental charities, and national campaigns to raise awareness and reduce littering.
“We need a national effort – combining education, enforcement, and corporate responsibility – to tackle what is fast becoming a roadside litter epidemic.”
Find out more about this survey at AA.com
‘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