The government and the Environment Agency are introducing new measures to crack down on waste criminals, with a £45 million investment. The plan includes tougher penalties for illegal dumping and increased enforcement efforts. The Environment Agency will receive additional funding to combat waste crime over the next three years.
To tackle the issue, the government will also finance the cleanup of major illegal waste sites in locations like Wigan, Sheffield, and Lancashire, where a total of 48,000 tonnes of waste have been unlawfully dumped. Offenders caught dumping waste from vehicles may face penalty points and potential license revocation. Under the Waste Crime Action Plan, culprits could be required to perform unpaid work and cover the costs of waste removal.
Emma Reynolds, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, emphasized the importance of holding waste criminals accountable for the harm they cause to communities and the environment. The plan aims to enforce penalties and give enforcement officers expanded powers to prosecute offenders effectively.
The Environment Agency’s Chief Executive, Philip Duffy, highlighted the evolving threat of waste crime and the need for a more robust response. The agency plans to act swiftly to shut down illegal sites, revoke permits from rogue operators, and collaborate with law enforcement agencies and local councils to track down criminal assets. The public is encouraged to report illegal dumping activities to aid in combating waste crime effectively.
