The Environment Agency has today (Wednesday 28 May) published new national heatmaps revealing the locations of 16,773 reported incidents of suspected waste crime across England in 2023 and 2024—underscoring the scale of illegal activity plaguing towns, cities, and rural areas.
The highest concentrations of reports were found in the West Midlands (2,008), Yorkshire (1,791), and East Anglia (1,678), prompting renewed calls for public vigilance and stronger enforcement against so-called “waste cowboys.”
The data was released alongside the UK government’s continuing “Plan for Change” initiative, which seeks to crack down on illegal waste operators. The measures include tougher sentences of up to five years for serious offenders and powers for local authorities to seize and destroy vehicles used in waste crimes. The government estimates that waste crime costs the economy around £1 billion annually, with illegal dumping and mismanagement affecting both the environment and legitimate businesses.
Emma Viner, Enforcement & Investigations Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Waste crime is toxic. Criminals steal business from legitimate operators, harm the environment, and blight local communities. We urge everyone to play their part—by keeping waste out of criminal hands and reporting suspected activity quickly.”
Waste crime at all levels continues to cause misery and anxiety to people and communities across the UK.
CIWM also welcomed the renewed focus. Dan Cooke, CIWM’s Director of Policy, Communications and External Affairs, said: “Waste crime at all levels continues to cause misery and anxiety to people and communities across the UK.
“Importantly, it also restricts opportunities for local economies to thrive, and often causes real environmental harm. We will continue to work with our members, local authorities, and regulators to promote best practice and deploy all available resources in pursuit of cleaner, safer communities.”
The Environment Agency’s own National Waste Crime Survey suggests only 25% of incidents are reported. Members of the public are encouraged to report waste crime anonymously via the Environment Agency’s 24-hour hotline (0800 80 70 60) or Crimestoppers (0800 555 111).
Several recent prosecutions highlight the Agency’s growing enforcement capacity. In the West Midlands, a waste company director was ordered to pay nearly £110,000 for unlawful storage and burning of waste.
In Yorkshire, convictions were secured for running unauthorised waste sites and improperly storing hazardous materials. East Anglia saw custodial sentences handed down for illegal dumping and importing of mixed waste.
The publication of the heatmaps forms part of the Agency’s #WasteCrimeWednesday campaign, a public-facing initiative aimed at raising awareness and pressuring offenders, while promoting responsible waste disposal practices.