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The Environment Agency (EA) has released a new national watchlist identifying 117 illegal waste sites across England, with nearly 30 classified as “super sites” due to their immense size, each containing tens of thousands of tonnes of rubbish. Among these, 28 locations hold over 20,000 tonnes of waste, highlighting a significant challenge facing the country’s efforts to manage unlawful dumping. Although around 700 illegal waste sites exist in total, the EA has prioritized those posing the greatest environmental or community risks for public awareness and enforcement focus.
Included in the watchlist are substantial waste accumulations in areas such as Wigan and Sheffield, where nearly 40,000 tonnes of waste have been recorded. These particular sites are being considered for potential clearance funded by taxpayers as part of the government’s waste crime action plan. However, the EA noted that it is generally not funded to clear all identified illegal waste sites and only intervenes in exceptional cases. Sites selected for cleanup undergo evaluation based on stringent criteria including the severity of environmental hazards and impacts on the local community, and the government makes the final decision.
Local responses to the publication of the watchlist have been mixed. Geoff Howarth, who owns a business adjacent to the site in Sheffield, expressed skepticism regarding the agency’s commitment, telling the BBC he has “no more faith whatsoever” that the release of this list will result in meaningful action. He emphasized the need for stronger measures against illegal dumping and repeat offenders but insisted that any taxpayer-funded clean-up should be restricted to land owned by the perpetrators themselves, which should then be seized and sold to cover costs.
The EA’s watchlist features sites containing a broad spectrum of waste types, including household garbage, construction debris, asbestos, and tyres. Many of these are operating without the required permits, while others are on private rural land improperly used as dumping grounds. The agency encourages the public to report any concerns or information regarding these sites and plans to update the watchlist monthly. Nonetheless, specific details remain limited to avoid compromising ongoing investigations. Philip Duffy, the EA’s chief executive, described waste crime as a “serious blight” influencing both communities and the environment, emphasizing that publishing the list is part of the agency’s commitment to transparency and enforcement efforts
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