Andy Burnham announces new measures to tackle waste crime

This includes funding the clean-up of three major illegal waste sites, subject to feasibility assessments.

Other measures have been announced, including “better use” of drones, a bigger role for the police and the National Crime Agency, the hiring of more Environment Agency (EA) frontline officers, and increased fines.

The plan is targeted at shutting down the criminal gangs running illegal waste sites, described by Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle as “serious, organised crime”.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “These toxic dumps have blighted communities for too long. I said we would clean them up – and that’s exactly what we’re announcing today.

“The days of making easy money out of waste are over. We’re giving authorities the powers to hunt down the people responsible. We will seize their assets and shut their operations down.

“These mountains of rubbish have been a clear sign to communities that politics hasn’t been working for them or their area. This government is going to tackle the issues that have been ignored by Westminster for too long and bring back hope.”

The three sites that will be cleared on the government’s dime are:

• Power Station Road, Isle of Sheppey, Kent
• Aymer Close, Runnymede, Surrey
• Midland Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire

These sites are thought to contain a combined 22,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste.

The new support builds on the measures announced as part of the Waste Crime Action Plan.

John Scanlon, Executive Vice President UK, of Suez UK and current Chair of the Environmental Services Association (ESA), said: “The Government’s proposal to bring national and regional agencies together to tackle the serious problem of waste crime is very much welcomed by those of us who operate responsibly within the sector.

“In the UK, it is estimated that one in five tonnes of waste is handled illegally, harming our natural environment, undermining legitimate businesses, blighting local communities and often leaving taxpayers or landowners footing the clean up bill.

“We have previously highlighted the need for additional and appropriate resource to tackle the issue, particularly the more serious cases where the involvement of organised crime is suspected.

“[This] announcement is an encouraging sign of a more joined-up and robust approach to waste crime, with a shift in emphasis towards identifying and dismantling the criminal networks involved.”

The announcement also includes plans for mayors to lead the effort to tackle waste crime in their own areas, with a reformed partnership between national and regional agencies and councils which will “facilitate better intelligence and capability sharing at a local level”.

West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester will be the first areas with new region-led approaches to waste crime, giving Mayors and council leaders the lead in co-ordinating councils, police, regulators, and other enforcement agencies.

Reactions from the waste sector

Environmental Services Association (ESA)

Sam Corp, Head of Regulation at the Environmental Services Association (ESA), said: “ESA strongly welcomes the Government’s commitment to tackling waste crime and the recognition that many of those operating illegal waste sites are serious organised criminals whose activities cause significant environmental harm and misery for local communities.

“The increased focus on intelligence-led enforcement, stronger cooperation between agencies and tougher financial penalties should send a clear message that waste crime will not be tolerated.

“Legitimate waste and resource management businesses invest billions of pounds in infrastructure, employ thousands of skilled workers and operate to the highest environmental standards. They cannot be expected to compete with criminals who ignore regulation, evade tax and profit from environmental damage.

“We particularly welcome the commitment to target the proceeds of waste crime. Removing the financial incentive and confiscating criminal assets is one of the most effective ways to disrupt organised criminal activity.

“Waste crime is not a victimless offence. It damages the environment, undermines legitimate businesses and leaves local communities to live with the consequences. Today’s announcement demonstrates a welcome determination to tackle that threat head on.”

Viridor

Grahame Woods, Head of Policy at Viridor, said: “Viridor welcomes the Government’s commitment to tackling waste crime and strengthening enforcement against illegal operators.

“A strong and competitive waste management sector is an essential part of the solution to tackling waste crime, protecting our communities and the environment.

“We at Viridor are committed to working with the government and our local communities to build a world where nothing goes to waste.”

Local Government Association (LGA)

Councillor Arooj Shah, Local Government Association (LGA) Neighbourhoods Committee Chair, said: “Illegal waste operations cause serious environmental harm, blight communities and leave taxpayers footing enormous clean‑up bills.

“Increasing frontline enforcement and raising fines are positive steps towards making waste crime a genuinely high‑risk, low‑reward activity.

“Councils work hard to try and protect communities from waste criminals, and this announcement will bolster existing local efforts to achieve that.”

Renewable Energy Association (REA) 

Jenny Grant, Head of Organics and Natural Capital at the Renewable Energy Association (REA), said: “Waste crime undermines public confidence in recycling, damages the environment and puts responsible operators at a competitive disadvantage. We welcome the Government’s commitment to strengthen enforcement, increase the Environment Agency’s frontline capability and take tougher action against organised criminal gangs profiting from illegal waste activity.

“The UK’s composting and anaerobic digestion sector operates within a highly regulated framework, investing significantly in permitting, monitoring and quality assurance to safely recycle millions of tonnes of organic waste into compost, biofertilisers and renewable energy. It is vital that enforcement efforts target those operating outside the law, rather than adding further burdens to compliant businesses.”

More reactions will be added as they are received. Email savannah.c@letsrecycle.com to have yours included. 

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 secure your ticket here.