In 2025, the Environment Agency (EA) received 10,238 reports of suspected waste crime across England, with 1,542 reports coming from the West Midlands.
Yorkshire recorded the second-highest number, with 1,068 reports.
According to data released in May 2025, the EA saw a total of 16,773 reports of suspected waste crime submitted in 2023 and 2024, with the highest number coming from the West Midlands, followed by Yorkshire and East Anglia.
The figures were published today (2 September 2026) alongside a new heatmap showing where suspected waste crime has been reported across the country.
Environment Secretary Angela Eagle commented: “These heatmaps shine a light on the scale of the problem and how it has been left to fester. That’s why we are cracking down on the criminals behind it and giving the Environment Agency the tools it needs to go further and faster.
“Those who pollute our land, poison our waterways and line their pockets at the expense of local communities will face the full force of the law.”
The EA said the intelligence provided by the public is critical to identifying offending and disrupting criminal gangs.
However, statistics indicate that only an estimated 27% of waste crimes are ever reported.
The EA has urged the public to report waste crime via its 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or to Crimestoppers through its website or by calling 0800 555 111, which is always 100% anonymous.
Waste crime hotspots
According to the EA, the scale of the problem in Yorkshire has prompted work to begin on the clean-up of one of the region’s worst waste sites in Bradford.
The site, on Midland Road, Bradford, is one of three illegal waste sites which the government has committed to funding the clean-up of, subject to feasibility assessments.
The other two sites are Power Station Road on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, and Aymer Close, Runnymede, Surrey.
Together, the three sites are thought to contain around 22,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste.
West Yorkshire is also set to become one of the first areas to adopt a new region-led approach to tackling waste crime.
The approach will give Mayors and council leaders a leading role in coordinating councils, police, regulators and other enforcement agencies.
Greater Manchester will also be among the first areas to adopt the approach.
Government measures
The measures build on those set out in the government’s Waste Crime Action Plan.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced these further measures on 20 August 2026 aimed at tackling waste crime, including additional funding to clear the three major illegal waste sites.
The government also said it 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.
The region-led approach is intended to bring together the different organisations involved in tackling waste crime, with the government arguing that closer coordination will help enforcement agencies respond more effectively to offending.
Philip Duffy, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, added: “With more officers on the frontline and strengthened enforcement, we are disrupting criminal gangs and supporting legitimate operators. But intelligence from the public remains vital.
“If you see something suspicious – you must report it. Every piece of information helps us build the picture we need to act faster, intervene earlier and shut down criminal operations before they cause more harm to communities and the environment.”
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