England faces rise in illegal waste crime and organised dumping

England is facing a significant surge in illegal waste crime, with the Environment Agency receiving 10,238 reports of suspected waste crime in 2025. Experts suggest these figures are likely underestimated, as only about 27% of such crimes are thought to be reported. The issue is estimated to cost the economy approximately £1bn annually.

Yorkshire and the West Midlands have emerged as major hotspots. In the West Midlands, a record 1,542 reports were filed, while Yorkshire recorded 1,068 reports. A prominent case involves an illegal dump on Midland Road in Bradford, which caused severe odor issues for local businesses, including a nearby nursery. Investigations into the site suggest the dumping was carried out by heavy goods vehicles and excavators during late-night hours, with the Environment Agency noting clear signs of links to organised criminality.

In response to the issue, Andy Burnham visited the Bradford site, stating that the “days of making easy money out of waste are over.”