“Operation Clean Sweep” took place on 6 March 2025 and included roadside inspections in Boston and site visits in Skegness.
The operation resulted in several examples of enforcement action from the EA, including:
- Five vehicles found carrying waste unlawfully
- Three vehicles seized
- One new illegal waste site discovered
- Multiple fines issued for waste offences
Although led by the EA, the operation featured multiple agencies including Lincolnshire Police, British Transport Police, Boston borough council, East Lindsey district council, and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Stuart Hoyle, EA waste crime specialist, said: “Large scale waste crime and fly-tipping can only happen through the use of vehicles, which is why operations such as Clean Sweep are vital for tackling waste crime. Last week’s operation uncovered crime, prevented offences and gathered a wealth of intelligence to aid future investigations.
“The operation isn’t possible without the collaboration of partners, so I would like to thank all Lincolnshire Environmental Crime Partnership agencies, in particular the Roads Policing for its excellent work, and Boston United Football Club for the use of their grounds for vehicle inspections.”
Callum Butler, environmental portfolio holder at Boston borough council, added: “Tackling waste crime is a priority for our borough, and Operation Clean Sweep demonstrates the power of partnership working in keeping our community clean and safe. By bringing together multiple agencies, we can identify and disrupt those who fail to dispose of waste responsibly, ensuring that those who follow the rules are protected.”
Roadside inspections
In Boston, teams conducted roadside stops and inspections of vehicles capable of carrying waste, with 25 vehicles inspected in total.
Of the six vehicles found carrying waste, five were doing so unlawfully. Some had no explanation for their final destination, while two were carrying hazardous waste insecurely.
The council issued six £300 fines for waste offences and six notices to produce documents.
Lincolnshire police issued an additional seven fines, 19 traffic offence reports, one summons and one caution.
The DVSA issued 11 prohibition notices preventing onward journeys.
Site visits in Skegness
Two waste sites were visited by officers in Skegness.
One site was found breaching scrap metal legislation designed to prevent metal theft, while the other was identified as an illegal waste site.
The EA called for the public to report suspected waste crime to its 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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