The restriction order, obtained at West Yorkshire Magistrates’ Court on 3 September 2026, prevents waste from being imported to Calder Quarry in Elland, Halifax.
Access to the land is also prohibited, subject to certain exceptions.
Anyone breaching the order, which will remain in place for six months, is committing a criminal offence.
The Environment Agency said its criminal investigation into suspected illegal waste activity at the site is ongoing.
Residents report ‘rubbish and rotting food’
The agency began investigating Calder Quarry in December 2025 after local residents reported waste being tipped at the site, with odours described as “rubbish and rotting food”.
Its assessment found that thousands of tonnes of waste had been dumped at the quarry, with some of the materials buried. A number of excavators were also seen on site.
Ben Hocking, Yorkshire Area Environment Manager for the Environment Agency, said: “Residents should not have to put up with everything that comes with illegal waste dumps, including the awful smells.
“We acted on reports from the community and our inspections confirmed waste was dumped at this site in recent weeks. We’ve taken action to shut it down while our criminal investigation continues.”
Those suspected of being responsible for the operation were hold by the Environment Agency to stop bringing waste into the site, and Calderdale Council issued a temporary stop notice at the entrance.
However, further waste was reportedly dumped at the site in August 2026.
Following the reports, the Environment Agency issued a restriction notice on 1 September, which has now been replaced with the restriction order granted on 3 September.
Hocking added: “As part of our 10 point plan we are coming down hard on those we suspect of being involved in waste crime. Where we find evidence of illegal activity, we will not hesitate to take enforcement action.”
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