The Environment Agency has launched an investigation into the illegal dumping of waste on land at Birstall, West Yorkshire.
Illegal waste dumped at Birstall
Officers attended the site on 4 November following reports waste had been dumped on land off Bankwood Way in the town, near industrial and commercial premises.
An estimated 1,000 tonnes of shredded household and commercial waste has been dumped.
Environment Agency investigators are following up several lines of enquiry to track down those responsible, and have worked with the landowner to secure the site and prevent further deposits.
They’re also working with partners at West Yorkshire Police and Kirklees Council to assess and monitor the site.
The Environment Agency is appealing for information from the public – anyone who saw anything or has information which may help the investigation is asked to get in touch as soon as possible.
The Agency is stepping up its action on waste crime as part of its 10 Point Plan – building on existing work and partnerships with a focused, sustained programme of action to strengthen prevention, improve detection and deliver more consistent enforcement.
The action taken to secure this site and prevent further dumping is an example of our crackdown on criminals involved in waste crime.
This government is taking decisive action to stop waste crime, putting more officers on the frontline and using drones to find the thugs behind these atrocious sites.
My message to waste criminals is clear: there is nowhere to hide.
The Environment Agency is investigating waste dumped on land in Birstall.
The Environment Agency is investigating waste dumped on land in Birstall.
Illegal waste sites ‘cause misery’
Ben Hocking, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency, said:
We’ve started an investigation into this waste dumping, making enquiries with neighbouring businesses and working with the landowner to ensure the site is secured.
Illegal waste sites cause misery for communities and are a blight on the environment.
We have stepped up enforcement action with our 10 point plan and we’re doing everything possible to ensure we can hold those involved in dumping this waste accountable.
To tackle waste crime at its source, the Government is increasing the use of drones, giving Mayors and the police a bigger role, and introducing a dramatic rise in fines to deter those who dump illegally.
The Government is also giving the Environment Agency stronger powers to punish those who break the law. Rogue actors who dump waste illegally or fail to treat it correctly are set to face fines of up to £5,000, up from the current maximum of £300, while those responsible for serious offences can already face much tougher sanctions, including prosecution and imprisonment.
The Environment Agency’s powers to confiscate cash, cars, houses and other assets bought with the proceeds of waste crime will grow, backed by new powers in the Crime and Policing Act 2026 to speed up confiscation orders.