The Environment Agency is appealing for witnesses after illegal dumping left what it estimates to be 1,000 tonnes of shredded household and commercial waste on land in Birstall, West Yorkshire.
The agency wants anyone who noticed something, or who has details that could assist its inquiry, to come forward quickly. Information can be passed to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or to the agency's incident line on 0800 807060.
Site secured as enquiries continue
Officers visited the location on 4 November in response to reports of dumping. The waste sits on land off Bankwood Way, close to industrial and commercial buildings in the town.
Ben Hocking, the agency's Area Environment Manager, said staff were questioning nearby firms and had worked with the landowner to make the land secure. According to the agency, investigators have several lines of enquiry aimed at identifying whoever is behind the dumping, and steps have been taken to stop more waste being left there. West Yorkshire Police and Kirklees Council are helping to assess and keep watch over the site.
Hocking said such sites "cause misery for communities" and harm the environment, adding that the agency would do all it could to make those involved answer for it.
Wider crackdown on waste crime
According to GOV.UK, people who dump waste illegally or fail to treat it properly are set to face penalties of up to £5,000, against a current ceiling of £300. Those behind serious offences can already be prosecuted and jailed.
The government said it is already deploying more drones against waste crime and handing Mayors and the police a larger role. It also said it is equipping the agency with tougher powers to punish offenders. The agency's ability to seize money, vehicles, homes and other property paid for through waste crime is expected to expand, supported by provisions in the Crime and Policing Act 2026 intended to make confiscation orders quicker.
The agency links the Birstall response to its 10 Point Plan, a programme it says is meant to improve prevention, detection and the consistency of enforcement.
Advice for residents and landowners
- Look up any waste carrier on the public register before paying them; the agency says anyone missing from it is acting illegally. According to the register, firms that move other people's waste, such as skip companies, belong in its upper tier.
- Landowners should visit vacant land and buildings often to confirm they remain secure, as they can be held liable for waste dumped there.
- Report illegal dumping, suspicious movements or burning of waste, unlicensed operators and disposal offers that seem unusually cheap.
