The UK government is preparing to give environmental enforcement officers powers similar to those used by police as part of a tougher strategy to tackle waste crime and bring more offenders
to justice.
Under the proposed measures, enforcement officers from the Environment Agency could receive expanded authority under existing laws, including the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). The goal is to enable investigators to intervene earlier in criminal operations and disrupt the organised gangs responsible for illegal waste activities by targeting their finances.
If implemented, the changes would place the Environment Agency among a small group of organisations with these enhanced powers, underlining the government’s stance that waste crime should be treated as serious organised crime.
The move comes ahead of the government’s upcoming Waste Crime Action Plan, which will outline a stricter national approach to offences ranging from fly-tipping to the operation of large-scale illegal waste sites. Officials say the tougher measures are designed to help protect communities, improve neighbourhood environments and support broader efforts to boost local pride through the government’s “Pride in Place” programme.
Authorities are also exploring new ways for enforcement agencies to share intelligence with banks and financial institutions. The aim is to help financial companies identify businesses linked to waste crime and make informed decisions about whether to continue providing them with services.
Any legislative changes would be introduced when parliamentary time allows, but the proposal signals the government’s intent to back law-abiding residents and take stronger action against environmental offenders.
Efforts to combat waste crime have already been expanding. The Joint Unit for Waste Crime (JUWC), which brings together several agencies including police forces and the National Crime Agency, now includes 20 specialists such as former police officers, intelligence analysts and financial investigators.
Between July 2024 and the end of 2025, the Environment Agency secured 122 prosecutions related to waste offences. These cases resulted in 10 immediate prison sentences and the closure of 1,205 illegal waste sites across the country.
Under separate legislation, individuals caught illegally transporting or dealing with waste could face prison sentences of up to five years.
Waste crime remains a significant issue in the UK, costing the economy an estimated £1 billion annually. Officials warn that criminal networks involved in illegal waste disposal are becoming increasingly sophisticated, creating serious risks for communities, public health and the environment.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:
“Waste crime is a disgrace. It blights our countryside and communities, damaging our environment and economy.
“That is why we are taking decisive action. We’re giving the Environment Agency the police-like powers they need to stop waste criminals in their tracks and bring those responsible swiftly to justice.”
Chief Executive of the Environment Agency Philip Duffy said:
“Waste crime causes misery across communities, and we have significantly stepped up our response to it already. But we are not standing still.
“While having more boots on the ground is important in tackling these criminal networks, we also need to make sure our officers have as many powers as possible to bring them down.
“But we can’t do this on our own. We are working closely with the police and local government. And we need the eyes and ears of the public to report potential dumping through Crimestoppers or our incident hotline. Working together, we can drive criminals out of our waste sector.”
Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said:
“Fly tipping is an attack on our countryside, our communities, and the environment we all share.
“We will give the Environment Agency the power they need to crack down on these reckless criminals.”