Organized crime gangs in the UK make millions every year illegal dumping and burning of garbageColleagues told ministers it had become a “low risk, high reward” criminal enterprise after an investigation revealed a lack of enforcement.
“Crime in the waste sector is endemic,” a Lords committee told the government on Tuesday after finding that at least 38 million tonnes of waste are illegally disposed of every year, “with serious environmental, economic and social consequences”.
Within 18 months, officials must carry out a “comprehensive review” of the response to waste crime, explaining why so many serious violations occurred, and end the “carousel” where members of the public trying to report crimes are passed from department to department without taking responsibility, the report says.
The letter, sent on Tuesday to Emma Reynolds, the environment secretary, follows an investigation by Lords' environment and climate change committee which found numerous failings by authorities responsible for tackling illegal dumping.
According to evidence heard by the committee, waste crime costs the UK economy £1 billion a year in clean-up costs, enforcement costs and lost revenue to legitimate businesses and the taxman – with up to £150 million evaded in landfill tax alone.
“We heard compelling evidence of numerous specific examples of the EPA's failure to: investigate repeated reports of serious waste-related crimes; effectively use the powers it has to stop massive, illegal dumping of waste; and ensure effective, timely and successful prosecution of those responsible for serious and organized waste-related crimes,” the letter said.
“We are not impressed by the lack of interest shown by the police in fulfilling their role and using their expertise in tackling serious and organized waste-related crime, which is a subset of and a gateway to other forms of serious and organized crime, including money laundering.”
As a result of the lack of effective law enforcement, organized criminals have become firmly entrenched in a sector they see as a “low-risk opportunity to make large sums of money” and where there is “little chance of criminals being brought to justice.”
“The track record of successful prosecutions and other penalties is dismal,” the colleagues said.
The letter highlighted the “egregious events” at Hoad's Wood in Kentsite of special scientific interest.
Members of the public first reported fly-tipping at the site in 2020, but it took until January 2024 for the Environment Agency to obtain a restriction order. By then, more than 30,000 tons of household and construction waste had been dumped here in mounds up to 4.5 meters (15 ft) high.
An Environment Agency spokesman said: “Waste crime is toxic and causes serious harm to people, places, the environment and the economy. We acknowledge the report's recommendations and are committed to doing more.”
“Last year alone, our dedicated teams closed 462 illegal waste dumps and prevented the illegal export of almost 34,000 tonnes of waste, demonstrating that we can make a real difference despite the challenges involved.
“With additional officers and working closely with other partners, we are bringing these criminals to justice and stopping illegal activity through tough enforcement action and prosecution. The public can also help stop waste criminals by reporting any suspicious waste activity to our anonymous helpline.”
