Waste crime can damage local communities, harm the environment and undermine businesses that handle waste responsibly. The Government has announced further action to tackle illegal dumping and organised criminal activity, with a new group bringing together ministers, police, regulators and local leaders.
For households and businesses across England’s South Coast, the crackdown is a reminder to think carefully about who collects and disposes of their waste. Using a reputable waste management provider helps ensure waste is handled through appropriate channels.
Contact us TodayOn 4 November 2026, the Environment Secretary announced the formation of a Waste Crime Crackdown Group. Its members will work together to identify weaknesses in the waste system, share intelligence and strengthen action against organised waste crime.
The Government says 36 arrests have been made since April 2026 as part of enforcement activity across the country. It has also announced increased use of drones, a greater role for Mayors and higher fines for illegal dumping.
The group builds on the Government’s Waste Crime Action Plan, published in March 2026. The plan sets out work to prevent illegal activity, improve enforcement and support the clean up of serious illegal waste sites. It recognises that tackling waste crime requires action from regulators, councils, businesses and communities.
Get a quoteWaste crime includes offences such as illegal dumping, handling waste without the right authorisation and providing false information about waste. These activities can leave landowners and communities facing pollution, disruption and costly clean up work. They can also give illegal operators an unfair advantage over businesses that meet their responsibilities.
The scale of the problem is considerable. The Government’s action plan cites an Environment Agency estimate that 20 per cent of waste in England is illegally managed. It also refers to an estimate that waste crime costs the English economy £1 billion each year.
Illegal activity can also make it harder to trace what happens to waste after collection. If waste is passed to an unsuitable operator, the person or business that produced it may find it difficult to establish where it went or whether it was handled properly.
Call our skip hire team +Digital waste tracking is another part of the Government’s approach. From 1 October 2026, more than 12,000 permitted waste sites in England have had to report the loads they receive through the new Report Receipt of Waste service. The system records details such as the waste carrier and the waste classification code, giving regulators a clearer record of waste movements.
The system is intended to help enforcement teams spot inconsistencies and investigate suspicious activity. Its introduction also underlines the importance of accurate records and responsible waste handling throughout the waste journey.
Contact W&S Recycling todayWhen arranging waste collection or disposal, it is sensible to check that the provider is suitable for the waste involved. Ask what happens after collection and keep any relevant records, including receipts or waste transfer information. If you are unsure how a particular type of waste should be handled, seek guidance before arranging its removal.
These steps matter for businesses, tradespeople, landlords and households. Waste can include everyday rubbish, recyclable materials, electrical equipment, batteries, paint and other items that need particular handling. The right service will depend on the material and the amount involved.
W&S Recycling provides waste management, waste disposal and recycling services across Dorset and the southern counties. Its services include skip hire, commercial waste, hazardous waste, metal recycling, cardboard and paper recycling, confidential shredding and domestic and commercial clearances. The company also operates licensed household waste recycling centres in Dorset.
Speak to our commercial waste experts todayGovernment enforcement has an important role in stopping waste crime, but responsible waste management also depends on the choices made by individuals and organisations. Taking time to use an appropriate provider and understand where waste is going can help support a more accountable system.
As the crackdown develops, businesses and households across England’s South Coast can play their part by arranging waste collection and disposal through reputable services. For information about waste management, disposal and recycling, contact W&S Recycling to discuss your requirements.
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