The Environment Agency is investigating three North East illegal waste dumps amounting to almost 3,500 tonnes of waste. The three sites – at Peterlee and Hartlepool in County Durham, and Callerton in Newcastle – were reported over recent weeks.
Environment Agency officers were quick to respond and, working with landowners, all three sites were shut down and concrete blocks put in place to block access.
Investigations are now being carried out into all three sites, which all contain shredded household waste, while plans are being made with the landowners to clear the waste.
The Environment Agency is stepping up its action on waste crime as part of its new 10 Point Plan – including acting early to address illegal activity before it becomes established.
Mark Rumble, Environmental Crime Team Leader at the Environment Agency, said:
“We’ve taken quick action to block access to these sites to prevent further dumping and investigations are underway.
“Illegal waste sites are a blight on our communities and residents should not have to live next to eyesores and put up with the smells.
“We have stepped up enforcement action with our 10 point plan and I want to make it clear that we’ll do everything possible to ensure those involved in dumping this waste will be held accountable.”
Minister for Circular Economy and Waste Crime Emma Hardy said:
“Residents deserve to be free from the blight of waste crime – and the decisive action taken in this case is an example of our crackdown on these criminals.
“The government is shutting down the gangs running illegal waste sites, with a stepping up of enforcement action and more officers on the frontline.
“My message to the criminals involved in waste is clear: we are coming for you, and we will take your profits, and we will use them to clean up, because the times of people getting away with these crimes are over.”
Illegally dumped waste poses a risk to communities and the environment and undermines legitimate businesses that dispose of waste responsibly, as well as being costly for landowners. It’s estimated waste crime costs the UK over £1 billion every year.
The Environment Agency is urging anyone with information about the three sites, about those involved in waste crime in the region or anyone who sees suspicious activity, such unusual HGV movements onto disused or open land – to get in touch.
Mark added: “I’d urge people to report information straight away to us or anonymously though Crimestoppers. Acting quickly gives us the best chance of investigating effectively and preventing further illegal dumping.”
Things people can do to help
- Check the public register of waste carriers before paying anyone to take waste away. If they are not on the register, they are operating illegally. Ask for and keep a written record of where the waste is taken.
- Landowners should ensure they check any empty land and property regularly to make sure it’s secure, using secure barriers or concrete blocks to prevent vehicle access. They should also consider installing CCTV where appropriate. They can be liable for illegal waste dumped on their land.
- Report suspected waste crime. Every report helps build the picture that enables earlier action. Report illegal dumping, suspicious waste movements or burning, unlicensed operators, or unusually cheap disposal offers to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the Environment Agency incident line on 0800 807060.
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