The 39-year-old suspect, from the Guildford area, was detained following coordinated action between the Environment Agency’s (EA) Major Investigation Team and the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU).
He is now in custody, where he is being questioned in relation to the illegal disposal of hundreds of tonnes of mixed waste on land close to the River Cherwell.
Anna Burns, the EA’s Area Director for The Thames, commented: “The appalling illegal waste dump in Kidlington has rightly provoked outrage over the potential consequences for the community and environment.
“Our investigative efforts have secured an arrest today, which will be the first step in delivering justice for residents and punishing those responsible.”
Kidlington illegal waste dumping
EA officers first attended the Kidlington site on 2 July 2025 after receiving reports of tipping on land between the River Cherwell and the A34.
Following visits, the landowner was identified and issued with a cease-and-desist letter aimed at stopping unlawful activity.
During an inspection, officers found evidence that waste was still being deposited at the location. In response, the EA sought a court order to shut down operations entirely.
The order was granted on 23 October 2025, after which the Agency confirmed that no further tipping had taken place.
A vast mound of mixed waste, stretching roughly 150 metres and reaching up to six metres in height, had built up across the floodplain.
The heap, weighing hundreds of tonnes, contains plastic, wood, foam and other materials.
Phil Davies, Head of the Joint Unit for Waste Crime, added: “The Environment Agency is working closely with other law enforcement partners to identify and hold those responsible for the horrendous illegal dumping of waste that has taken place in Kidlington.
“A number of active lines of investigation are being pursued by specialist officers.
“We would ask that the public and media do not speculate about the identity of any other individuals who may be connected with the offending at this location, or interfere with the waste on site as we continue to treat it as an active crime scene.”
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