Environment Agency to Gain Police-Style Powers in Major Crackdown on Waste Crime
The UK government is set to give the Environment Agency police-style powers as part of a tougher national response to waste crime, signalling a shift towards treating offences such as fly-tipping and illegal waste operations as serious organised crime.
The proposals would extend enforcement capabilities under legislation including the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) – allowing officers to intervene earlier, build stronger cases and target the financial structures behind illegal activity.
“Waste crime is a disgrace”
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds made the government’s position clear:
“Waste crime is a disgrace. It blights our countryside and communities, damaging our environment and economy.
That is why we are taking decisive action. We’re giving the Environment Agency the police-like powers they need to stop waste criminals in their tracks and bring those responsible swiftly to justice.”
The move would place the Environment Agency among a small number of bodies with such powers – a strong indication that enforcement is being escalated significantly.
Enforcement Expands as Scale of Problem Grows
Waste crime is estimated to cost the UK economy around £1 billion each year, with criminal networks becoming increasingly organised and financially sophisticated.
Recent figures highlight the scale of enforcement already underway:
- 122 prosecutions between July 2024 and the end of 2025
- 10 immediate custodial sentences
- 1,205 illegal waste sites shut down
The Joint Unit for Waste Crime (JUWC), which includes the National Crime Agency and police forces, has expanded to 20 specialists, including financial investigators and intelligence analysts.
“We need as many powers as possible”
Environment Agency Chief Executive Philip Duffy emphasised the need for stronger enforcement tools:
“Waste crime causes misery across communities, and we have significantly stepped up our response to it already. But we are not standing still.
While having more boots on the ground is important in tackling these criminal networks, we also need to make sure our officers have as many powers as possible to bring them down.”
The government is also exploring ways to share intelligence with banks and financial institutions, aiming to disrupt the financial flows that enable illegal waste operations.
Tougher Penalties and Zero-Tolerance Approach
The proposals form part of a wider Waste Crime Action Plan, which will set out a stricter approach to enforcement across the UK.
Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said:
“Fly tipping is an attack on our countryside, our communities, and the environment we all share.
We will give the Environment Agency the power they need to crack down on these reckless criminals.”
Under new legislation, offenders involved in illegal waste activity could face up to five years in prison.
What This Means for Businesses
For legitimate businesses, the direction of travel is clear: compliance will be under greater scrutiny.
As enforcement powers increase, organisations should ensure they:
- Work only with licensed waste providers
- Maintain accurate waste documentation
- Follow Duty of Care requirements consistently
Stronger enforcement is expected to reduce illegal competition and improve standards across the sector.
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