The Environment Agency is investigating three illegal waste dumps in the North East, which collectively contain nearly 3,500 tonnes of shredded household waste. The sites are located in Peterlee and Hartlepool in County Durham, and Callerton in Newcastle, and were reported in recent weeks.
Environment Agency officers responded quickly, shutting down all three sites and installing concrete blocks to prevent further access. Investigations are now being carried out into the sites, and the agency is working with landowners to plan the clearance of the waste.
Mark Rumble, Environmental Crime Team Leader at the Environment Agency, stated that quick action was taken to block access and prevent further dumping. He added that the agency is stepping up enforcement action against waste crime as part of its new 10 Point Plan.
Emma Hardy, Minister for Circular Economy and Waste Crime, said the government is cracking down on gangs running illegal waste sites. She urged residents to report any suspicious activity, such as unusual HGV movements onto disused land, to the Environment Agency or Crimestoppers.