Action Plan to tackle waste crime

The government has launched a new action plan to tackle illegal waste.

The new Waste Crime Action Plan sets out a zero-tolerance approach, along with action to prevent waste crime at its source by closing loopholes and equipping regulators with the tools they need to stop waste criminals.   

There will be stronger efforts to punish offender committing waste crime, which could see them ordered to complete up to 20 hours of unpaid work cleaning streets and parks as part of new “clean-up squads” and required to repay the cost of clearing the waste they illegally dumped.

The Environment Agency will also increase its on-the-ground activity, intervening earlier on larger sites. With an extra £45 million over the next three years, it is hoped this will strengthen enforcement activity and ensure waste criminals face consequences.

The government will be funding the clean-up of some of the biggest waste sites in the country including in Wigan, Sheffield and Lancashire, where a combined 48,000 tonnes of waste has been illegally dumped.

Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Emma Reynolds said: "Waste criminals have been damaging our communities, countryside, environment and economy for too long. This Action Plan sends a clear message: dump illegally and you will face the full consequences.  

"Waste criminals will be forced to join clean up squads and made to pay for the clearing of illegal waste sites. We will give enforcement officers new police-style powers to bring offenders to justice.” 

Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, Philip Duffy said: "Waste crime is not a new issue, but the threat is evolving and our response needs to move up a gear.  

"We will act earlier, faster and smarter by shutting down illegal sites before they become established, using our powers decisively to strip rogue operators of their permits, and working with police, HMRC and councils to go after criminal assets. 

"These measures will ensure we stay one step ahead of waste criminals and protect the communities, businesses and environment that they blight.  

"But we can’t fight this battle on our own and will need the public’s eyes and ears to report illegal dumping through Crimestoppers or our incident hotline.”