New Environment Agency heat maps reveal where suspected waste crime is being reported across England, as the government steps up enforcement against organised gangs and rogue operators.
Newly published Environment Agency heat maps are bringing organised criminal gangs illegal waste sites into sharper focus, showing where suspected waste crime is being reported across England.
Published on 2 September 2026, the maps use reports from members of the public covering activities including the illegal carrying, dumping and burning of waste. The Environment Agency is using the intelligence to identify hotspots, target enforcement resources and disrupt criminal operations.
The annual heat maps form part of the regulator’s 10-point plan to tackle waste crime and come as the government introduces a wider crackdown designed to make it increasingly difficult for illegal operators to remain hidden.
During 2025, the Environment Agency received 10,238 reports of suspected waste crime. The West Midlands recorded the highest number, with 1,542 reports, followed by Yorkshire with 1,068.
However, the regulator estimates that only around 27% of waste crime is ever reported, suggesting the true scale of illegal activity could be considerably higher.
Enforcement activity set to increase
The government and Environment Agency are increasing frontline resources as part of the Prime Minister’s crackdown on waste crime.
Measures include greater use of drones, increased involvement from Mayors and police forces and substantially higher penalties for those caught illegally.
A new Waste Crime Crackdown Group, chaired by Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle, will bring regulators and law enforcement agencies together to target organised criminal networks.
Philip Duffy, Chief of the Environment Agency, said:
“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.”
Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle said:
“For too long waste crime has blighted our towns, cities and countryside.
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.”
Tougher fines and new tracking system
Rogue operators that illegally dump waste or fail to treat it correctly are also set to face considerably higher penalties.
Fines of up to £5,000 are proposed, compared with the current maximum of £300, while serious offences can already result in prosecution and imprisonment.
The Environment Agency is also increasing its ability to confiscate assets purchased using the proceeds of waste crime, including vehicles, property and other assets.
New powers under the Crime and Policing Act 2026 are expected to help accelerate the enforcement of confiscation orders.
Further regulatory changes will follow shortly.
From October 2026, the new digital waste tracking service will begin improving visibility over how waste moves through the industry, helping regulators identify suspicious or illegal handling.
From 2027, reforms to the waste carriers, brokers and dealers regime will also replace the current registration system with a permitting regime requiring operators to meet stricter conditions.
For legitimate authorised treatment facilities and other compliant businesses, the changes underline the increasing importance of maintaining clear waste movements, accurate records and robust due diligence throughout the supply chain.
Public reports uncover illegal sites
Recent enforcement cases demonstrate the role intelligence can play.
At Midland Road in Bradford, suspected illegal dumping was reported by a member of the public in July, prompting an Environment Agency investigation and plans to clean up the site subject to feasibility work.
At Cave’s Inn Pits SSSI in Leicestershire, complaints about odour led officers to uncover approximately 30,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste. A major criminal investigation is underway, and one arrest has been made.
Meanwhile, at a former industrial site in Wingerworth, Chesterfield, reports from the public led officers to discover around 100 tonnes of household waste. Enforcement visits stopped further dumping; the waste has subsequently been removed by the landowner, and a criminal investigation continues.
The Environment Agency is urging businesses and members of the public to report suspected illegal waste activity, arguing that improved intelligence will be central to shutting down rogue operators and protecting legitimate businesses from unfair competition.
Source www.gov.uk
Further Reading on ATF Professional
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