Keeping our streets clean is a big job, and the UK government is stepping up its efforts to stop illegal waste dumping. The Environment Agency has just released new heatmaps that show where waste crime is happening most often across England. These maps highlight how serious the problem is and why urgent action is needed.
Waste Crime on the Rise: The Numbers Say It All
Between January 2023 and December 2024, over 16,773 reports of suspected waste crime were made across England. The areas with the most reports were:
- West Midlands: 2,008 cases
- Yorkshire: 1,791 cases
- East Anglia: 1,678 cases
These crimes aren’t just bad for the environment—they also hurt communities and cost the economy around £1 billion each year.
What Is Waste Crime and Why Is It a Problem?
Waste crime includes things like dumping rubbish in illegal places, burning waste without a permit, or running waste businesses without following rules. It damages nature, pollutes the land, and takes away business from honest waste companies.
According to the Environment Agency, around 34 million tonnes of waste are handled illegally each year in England. That’s enough to fill Wembley Stadium 30 times or fill 4 million skips!
Government Takes Tough Action
To stop this problem, the government has launched a Plan for Change. This includes:
- Up to 5 years in prison for people caught running illegal waste businesses.
- Crushing vehicles used for fly-tipping.
- Giving local councils more power to stop these crimes quickly.
The aim is clear: punish waste criminals and protect our environment.
What the Experts Are Saying
Emma Viner from the Environment Agency says waste crime is harmful to both communities and the environment. She urges everyone to report illegal waste activity and make sure to use approved waste carriers only.
Mary Creagh, Minister for the Circular Economy, added that the government will not let organised crime groups profit from dumping rubbish and ruining neighbourhoods.
Jacob Hayler from the Environmental Services Association said that all of us have a duty of care to ensure our waste is handled correctly and to report any suspicious activity.
Many Crimes Go Unreported
Surprisingly, only 25% of waste crime is thought to be reported. The Environment Agency says every report helps them catch offenders sooner. If you see waste being dumped or managed illegally, you can report it by:
- Calling the Environment Agency’s 24-hour hotline at 0800 80 70 60
- Contacting Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111
Real Cases from Across England
West Midlands
In 2023, a Worcestershire company was fined nearly £110,000 for storing and burning waste without permission. The company had a history of breaking the rules and was found guilty of serious offences.
In 2025, a Droitwich-based business paid over £52,000 for not providing important information needed for a waste audit.
Yorkshire
A man named Stuart Bedford was jailed for 12 months for running illegal waste sites in Bradford and Doncaster. His wife, Vicky Bedford, got a community sentence for helping him.
In another case, Stephen Coates from East Yorkshire stored dangerous waste, including asbestos, near homes. He received a suspended sentence and had to pay £2,000 in compensation and costs.
East Anglia
In 2023, James Atkins was jailed for 16 months after being caught dumping waste illegally at a Kent industrial estate. The judge called it a “planned and cynical” crime.
Public Campaign and Heatmap Launch
These heatmaps were released as part of the Environment Agency’s #WasteCrimeWednesday campaign. This campaign targets the public, businesses, and criminals, spreading awareness and encouraging everyone to report and stop waste crime.
The Environment Agency continues to work with local authorities and industry experts to take tough action, secure convictions, and protect both the environment and local economies.
Waste crime is more than just an eyesore—it’s a serious problem that affects the economy, environment, and everyday people. With strong government action, public support, and tougher laws, there is hope to stop these illegal acts. But it starts with awareness. By reporting incidents and using only licensed waste carriers, we can all help create cleaner and safer communities for everyone.
