LONDON, May 22 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
For the first time, a national watchlistofwaste sites in Englandhas been published, as part of theEnvironment Agency's enhanced response to tackle the issue.
The watchlist published today (Friday 22 May 2026)contributes tothe Environment Agency'senhanced intelligence gatheringofthe 117sitestoenable residents to see where we are acting.
It forms a central part ofthe Environment Agency's10 Point Planto tackle waste crime, a comprehensive strategy that places transparency and community engagement at its core, while enlisting the public's help inidentifyingand reporting criminal activity.Thisbuilds onaction being taken includingtoaddress illegal activity before it becomes more firmlyestablished- such as whena permit was revoked and two wastesitesshut down in West Lancashire.
Waste crime isanever-evolvingpicture.TheEnvironmentAgencywill keep thelist under revieweverymonthas part ofitsongoing action totrackwastesites.The public areencouraged to step forward if they have any concerns about those sites listed.
Philip Duffy, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, said:
Waste crime is a serious blight on our communities and our environment, and it is overwhelmingly driven byindividualswho have no regard for the damage they cause.
Publishing this watchlist is a deliberate act of transparency-communities need to know that we are acting, and we want thosecommittingthese crimes to know that we are coming for them.
We are using every tool at our disposal to find those responsibleandencourage anyone with information to come forward.
For sites presenting lower levels of risk, the Environment Agency is working to bringthem into compliance through regulatory action and engagement.Sites that present serious risks will receive intensive attention, which can include intelligence-gathering and full criminal investigations.
As the Environment Agencycannot prejudice ongoing enquiries and any associated enforcement action,thelevel of detailpublishedin the watchlist is restricted.
Investigations do deliver results as seen this week with theEnvironment Agencyarresting a man for illegal waste dumping at several sites, including at Bolton House Road in Wigan, with the support of West Midlands Police. Teams are also continuing the clean-up operations for the illegal waste sites in Kidlington and Hoads Wood.
Whether any activity is illegal isultimately amatter for the Courts to decide;however, it is importantthatcommunitieshave access to information about sites in their area that may be of concern.The EnvironmentAgencywill share more details on individual sites as it becomes available - with a view to releasing any site-specific information, which isappropriate toshare publicly, by summer 2026.
Accurate local information to effectively tackle waste crime is critical in protecting people and the environment from any potential risks.
The Environment Agency isthereforeurging people across England to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity involving waste-includingabout any of the sites included inthewatchlist, or suspect illegal waste activity anywhere-toitsincident hotline on0800 80 70 60or to Crimestoppersanonymouslyon 0800 555 111orthrough their website.
Tips and intelligence from communities play a direct role inidentifyingillegal operators and protecting the environment. The smallest piece of information can help build a clearer picture and make a real difference to our investigations.
In March, the government published its Waste Crime Action Plan, setting out a zero-tolerance approach with sweeping measures to take the fight to waste criminals. This includes issuing penalty points for drivers found to have illegally dumped waste, and giving the Environment Agency police-style powers to clamp down on offenders faster.
More information and an FAQs can be found in our 'Creating a Better Place' blog.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
