Environment Agency urges action as just 27% of waste crimes are reported

The Environment Agency has released the findings of its 2025 National Waste Crime Survey, revealing that nearly three-quarters of all waste crime incidents go unreported—with only 27% of cases being brought to light.

The survey shows that over half (57%) of landowners and farmers have been affected by waste crime, but just 12% reported the most recent incidents that impacted them. The Agency is now calling on landowners and the public to help in the fight against illegal waste dumping.

Organised crime on the rise

Waste crime is increasingly linked to organised criminal groups, which are estimated to be behind 35% of waste crime incidents. These groups target rural and private land to illegally dump rubbish for profit. One recent case led to the conviction of three men involved in dumping more than 26,000 tonnes of waste—equivalent to over 2,000 double-decker buses—at 17 sites nationwide.

Public support essential

Steve Molyneux, Deputy Director for Waste & Resources Regulation at the Environment Agency, stressed the importance of public involvement:

“Waste criminals cause significant harm to people, places, and the economy. We need the public and industry to help us stop them by reporting what they know.”

To report waste crime, contact the Environment Agency’s 24-hour hotline at 0800 80 70 60, or report anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

Government crackdown

Steve Molyneux, Environment Agency Deputy Director for Waste & Resources Regulation, said:

“Waste criminals’ toxic crimes cause widespread and significant harm to people, places and the economy. The Environment Agency is determined to use all our powers and resources to stop waste criminals, but we cannot achieve this alone.  

Our survey shows almost three quarters of waste offences go unreported, so we urge industry and the public to help us stop waste criminals faster by sharing what they know about the people carrying out these heinous crimes”.

Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said:  

“Through our Plan for Change, this government will crack down on the waste cowboys, seize and crush fly-tippers’ vans, and clean up Britain. 

With the shocking scale of this challenge revealed today, we are tightening the net on the organised crime groups who exploit our broken waste system.  

We will not stand and watch while our countryside is polluted by criminals who undercut decent businesses”.

Sam Corp, Head of Regulation at the Environmental Services Association, said:

“With more than half of British landowners now reporting that they have fallen victim to the illegal dumping of waste, the survey findings are further evidence of the waste crime epidemic facing the UK, much of which is perpetrated by organised crime groups.    

It is essential that we all exercise our duty of care to ensure waste does not fall into criminal hands and that, across society, we report all waste crime when we see it to help the authorities identify and stop the culprits”.

Dan Cooke, Director of Policy, Communications & External Affairs at CIWM, said:

“Waste crime causes misery and anxiety to communities wherever it occurs. It also damages local economies and undermines the professional recycling, resources and waste sector.   

These latest National Waste Crime Survey figures show the extent of the challenge we face and the need for renewed focus and action. We can all do something to tackle waste crime and to bring those responsible to account. 

CIWM encourages everyone to report suspicious activity or any incidents involving the illegal tipping of waste materials – wherever and whenever you see it. By reporting it to your local authorities or to the Environment Agency, you’re increasing the chance of prosecution and of swift action to maintain the quality of local environments on which our economy depends”. 

Wider Impact and Costs
Survey respondents estimate that 20% of all waste could be illegally managed—enough to fill Wembley Stadium 35 times. For legitimate businesses, the impact is severe:

- 52% lost over £50,000 to illegal waste sites

- 44% suffered from illegal exports

- 32% faced major fly-tipping

Tougher laws ahead

As part of its Plan for Change, the government will introduce legislation imposing up to five years in prison for those found guilty of illegal waste operations. Recent Environment Agency prosecutions have already led to significant penalties, including a £79,000 fine for one offender and a 44-week jail sentence for another operating without a permit.

The Environment Agency continues to work with partners to tackle waste crime and urges everyone to stay alert and report illegal activity to protect communities and the environment. Photo by Sebastian Ballard, Wikimedia commons.