The Environment Agency is investigating three illegal waste sites in the North East, which amount to almost 3,500 tonnes of shredded household waste.
The three sites – at Peterlee and Hartlepool in County Durham, and Callerton in Newcastle – were reported over recent weeks.
The Environment Agency says it has now worked with the landowners to shut down the sites, including putting concrete blocks in place to restrict access.
Minister for Circular Economy and Waste Crime Emma Hardy commented: “My message to the criminals involved in waste is clear: we are coming for you, and we will take your profits, and we will use them to clean up, because the times of people getting away with these crimes are over.”
The Environment Agency says plans are now being made with the landowners to clear the waste.
Mark Rumble, Environmental Crime Team Leader at the Environment Agency, said officers took ‘quick action’ to block access to the three sites to prevent further dumping.
“Illegal waste sites are a blight on our communities, and residents should not have to live next to eyesores and put up with the smells,” Rumble said.
“We have stepped up enforcement action with our 10-point plan, and I want to make it clear that we’ll do everything possible to ensure those involved in dumping this waste will be held accountable.”
