Cheshire police and Environment Agency arrest two men over illegal waste dumping

Two men have been arrested following an investigation into large-scale illegal waste dumping at a farm near Middlewich, Cheshire. The site, located on Coal Pitt Lane near the River Wheelock, contained substantial quantities of various materials, including construction waste, green garden waste, plastics, tyres, shredded waste, and mixed household rubbish.

A 69-year-old man was arrested on August 7, followed by a 37-year-old man on August 10. Both individuals have been released on bail as investigations continue. The operation was a joint effort between the Environment Agency and Cheshire Police.

The Environment Agency noted that waste crime can be driven by rogue traders seeking to avoid disposal fees or organized criminal groups. The agency previously released a 10-point plan in March to improve intelligence handling and enforcement against such activities. Authorities have advised landowners to monitor their property regularly and urged the public to verify the licenses of waste carriers to prevent illegal disposal.