The Government has announced a new crackdown on criminal gangs involved in illegal waste sites, with tougher enforcement measures designed to protect communities and tackle organised waste crime.
The plans will bring together police, local authorities, the Environment Agency, the National Crime Agency and regional leaders to improve intelligence sharing and target those profiting from illegally dumping and managing waste. Measures will include greater use of drones, more Environment Agency officers on the frontline and stronger action to seize cash, vehicles, property and other assets linked to waste crime.
Fines for some waste offences are also set to increase significantly, from a current maximum of £300 to as much as £5,000. More serious offences can already result in prosecution and imprisonment.
The Government is also funding the clean-up of three major illegal waste sites, which together contain around 22,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste and are estimated to be affecting approximately 2,900 families.
The new approach aims not only to clear existing illegal sites but also to disrupt the organised criminal networks behind them and prevent waste crime from simply moving elsewhere.
Read the full Government announcement on GOV.UK
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