The total tonnage of waste at all the sites being monitored equates to almost 1.9 million tonnes across 117 sites.
The EA said that the list reflects their work to “act early” on illegal activity and will be updated monthly.
Dan Cooke, Director of Policy, Communications and External Affairs at the CIWM, said: “The publication by the Environment Agency of its list of high priority sites is a welcome addition under its Tackling Waste Crime 10 Point Plan.
“In the ongoing fight against waste crime, greater focus and transparency on sites causing concern and anxiety to local communities – and potentially undermining legitimate and professional waste service providers – has to be a positive move.”
The largest of the sites is located in Northwich in Cheshire and contains 281,000 tonnes of contaminated soil.
Other notable sites include one in Pershore, Worcestershire, where between 150,000 and 180,000 tonnes of mixed shredded waste have been deposited.
The list also contains a location in Iken, Suffolk, containing 121,000 tonnes of construction and demolition waste.
The rest of the sites range from 100,000 tonnes to one tonne of waste and feature multiple types of waste including tyres, commercial, household, mixed shredded waste and more.
The list includes what is likely the well-known “waste mountain” located in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, and the Bolton House Road illegal landfill in Wigan. View the full list here.
The EA noted that further information on the sites is restricted at this stage as many of the cases relate to ongoing investigations, but that more information will be shared as it becomes available.
The Agency added that it aims to release appropriate site-specific information by summer 2026.
Cooke added: “We look forward to further details on these sites as the Agency continues investigations.
“Those involved in illegal waste activity should know that they are in the spotlight and that there are consequences to their actions that damage communities, environments and local economies.
“The responsible resources and waste sector (both local authorities and private sector service providers) encourage and expect effective regulatory action to be taken against those involved at these sites where waste crime is proven.
“We must all remain vigilant and continue to report any suspected waste crime at all levels to help regulators to do their vital work.”
Those with information on any of these sites have been encouraged to call our 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 807060 or report it via the Crimestoppers website.
Waste crime in England
This week, new laws were laid in Parliament to strengthen the government’s approach to waste crime.
The laws will bring in checks that require waste handlers to prove that they are qualified to transport waste.
The changes come as part of the government’s Waste Crime Action Plan, which was released in late March 2026.
Waste Minister Mary Creagh said: “Waste cowboys have abused the system for too long, blighting our countryside and cities alike.
“Through our Waste Crime Action Plan, we’re introducing rigorous background checks for waste traders, shutting down corrupt operators and kicking them out of the industry for good.
“This is just one measure we’re introducing to stamp out waste crime, with law breakers now facing up to five years behind bars thanks to tougher penalties.”
The action plan included a £45 million boost to help the EA crack down on rogue waste handlers.
Waste crime is estimated to cost the English economy around £1 billion annually, with roughly 20% of waste thought to be handled illegally.
Recent figures from the Environmental Services Association (ESA) indicate the cost may actually be as much as £2 billion.
The National Waste Crime Conference takes place on 3 November 2026 in London. The one-day event will bring together professionals from across enforcement, regulation, local government and the waste industry to examine the challenges posed by waste crime and the sector’s response to the new regulatory landscape. Find out more and register your interest here.
Register for free to comment