Three of the UK's most significant illegal waste dumps are set to be cleared using taxpayer funds, the government announced today. The sites, located in Kent, Surrey, and West Yorkshire, will undergo assessment for clearance.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that these "toxic dumps have blighted communities for too long." The government estimates these sites hold around 22,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste. The specific locations are Power Station Road on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent; Aymer Close in Runnymede, Surrey; and Midland Road in Bradford, West Yorkshire.
In addition to the clean-up, fines for waste offences will increase from £300 to £5,000. The Environment Agency will also receive enhanced powers to seize assets acquired through the proceeds of waste crime. A new "waste crime crackdown group," chaired by Environment Secretary Angela Eagle, will aim to dismantle criminal operations.
West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester will be the initial areas to implement new region-led approaches to waste crime. This initiative will empower mayors and council leaders to coordinate local councils, police, regulators, and other enforcement agencies.