A notorious illegal waste dump at Hoad's Wood, a Kent beauty spot and Site of Special Scientific Interest, has been completely cleared. The Environment Agency announced the removal of 39,500 tonnes of commercial waste from the site, which had been targeted by organised criminals who piled waste up to 15 feet high.
The clearance operation was led by the Environment Agency and executed by Acumen Waste Services Ltd, involving over 50 specialist workers. Following the completion of the clean-up, access to the site will be restricted to allow for natural recovery.
The Environment Agency is collaborating with the Joint Unit for Waste Crime and Kent Police to identify those responsible, with three men already arrested as part of the ongoing investigation. This action aligns with the government's broader crackdown on waste crime, which includes increased use of drones, a larger role for Mayors and police, and a rise in fines for illegal dumping.
Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle stated that the government is taking action on illegal waste sites and is serious about restoring affected areas. Matthew Higginson, Environment Agency Area Environmental Manager, highlighted efforts to prevent such dumping and improve intelligence exchange between agencies. He also noted 33 arrests since April across wider waste crime initiatives under their 10 Point Plan.
The government plans to increase fines for rogue actors who dump waste illegally or fail to treat it correctly, with penalties potentially rising to £5,000 from the current maximum of £300. Additionally, the Environment Agency's powers to confiscate assets bought with the proceeds of waste crime are set to grow, supported by new powers in the Crime and Policing Act 2026.