The sites, located in Peterlee and Hartlepool in County Durham, and Callerton in Newcastle, were reported to the EA over recent weeks.
EA officers responded to the sites and, working with the landowners, shut down all three locations and installed concrete blocks to prevent further access.
Investigations are now underway into the sites and those responsible for the waste, with all three locations found to contain shredded household waste.
Plans are also being developed with the landowners to arrange for the waste to be cleared.
Mark Rumble, Environmental Crime Team Leader at the EA, explained: “We’ve taken quick action to block access to these sites to prevent further dumping and investigations are underway.
“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.”
He 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.”
The EA is urging anyone with information about the three sites, those involved in waste crime in the region, or suspicious activity to come forward.
This includes unusual HGV movements onto disused or open land, which the agency says could indicate illegal waste activity.
Government response to waste crime
The government said the action forms part of its wider crackdown on waste crime.
Emma Hardy, Minister for Circular Economy and Waste Crime, added: “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.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced further measures on 20 August 2026 aimed at tackling waste crime.
The government also said would support the “better use” of drones, increase the role of police forces and the National Crime Agency in tackling waste crime, recruit more frontline Environment Agency officers and increase fines.
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