24 Mar 2026
The Government has announced a new Waste Crime Action Plan, setting out a tougher, “zero-tolerance” approach to illegal dumping across England.
The plan includes stronger enforcement powers for the Environment Agency, tougher penalties for offenders, and increased funding to tackle waste crime. Those found guilty could be required to carry out unpaid clean-up work and repay the costs of clearing illegally dumped waste.
An additional £45 million will be invested over the next three years to boost enforcement activity. A new intelligence unit will also be established to identify and target waste crime more quickly, using tools such as aerial surveillance and financial data.
The Government has also committed to funding the clean-up of some of the most serious illegal waste sites, including locations in Wigan, Lancashire and Sheffield, where a combined 48,000 tonnes of waste has been dumped.
Further measures include new powers to shut down illegal sites more quickly, the ability to revoke permits from rogue operators, and plans to introduce penalty points on driving licences for fly-tipping offences. A Landfill Tax rebate scheme for local authorities is also being developed to support site clearance.
Waste crime is estimated to cost the English economy around £1 billion each year, with approximately 20% of all waste handled illegally.
