Illegal Waste Sites
M57 junction 4
Our work at this site to date
The site is located between the A580 and the M57 at Junction 4.
The site is unlicensed, and contains approximately 20,000 cubic meters of waste, described as mixed/trommel type waste.
An Environment Agency led criminal investigation is underway, supported by Merseyside Police and the Joint Unit for Waste Crime. The Environment Agency initiated a multi-agency response within days of substantiating the unauthorised activity. This resulted in disruption activity, effectively blocking off access to prevent further unlawful activity.
Bolton House Road
- A court order is in place prohibiting anyone from importing waste to a site known as “The Old Cricket Ground” in Bickershaw as part of our ongoing response to illegal waste dumping at Bolton Bouse Road.
- The Restriction Order was granted at Wigan Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 25 February and will last six months.
Background of the site?
In January 2025, the Environment Agency (EA) received reports of significant volumes of illegally deposited waste at Bolton House Road, Bickershaw, Hindley. A formal criminal investigation was launched immediately and remains ongoing. The site subsequently caught fire in July 2025, triggering a major multi‑agency response and the establishment of an EA Critical Incident. Enforcement action, partnership coordination, and statutory duties continue as the EA works with Wigan Borough Council (Wigan BC), Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), and other partners to manage risks and progress waste removal.
FAQ's
How big is the site?
Estimated to be 23,000 cubic metres in size.
What made this location vulnerable to illegal dumping in the first place?
· Criminals can exploit accessible land to fly tip and dump waste; it is important that landowners take steps to secure their property.
· We believe only 27% of waste crime is reported. It is critical that waste crime is reported as soon as possible, allowing faster action to prevent further harm.
How long has the Environment Agency been aware of illegal waste activity at the Bolton House Road site?
The EA received a report of scrap vehicles at the site in 2024. Reports of waste being deposited at the site were first reported by the public on 13 January 2025.
When was the first time the Environment Agency visited the Bolton House Road site?
Based on intelligence, the Environment Agency first visited the site on 6th January 2025 accompanied by Greater Manchester Police and a criminal investigation was immediately commenced.
Please provide all enforcement action against the site since 2024.
· The Environment Agency served cease and desist letters to all registered titles (land owners) informing them of their duty to prevent further activity on 20 January 2025.
· The Environment Agency categorised the site as a Critical Incident following the fire in July 2025.
· A national Gold group was convened with a Director of Operations, overseeing the response.
· Following the fire, the Environment Agency served S59 Environment Act 1990 notices on registered titles and occupiers of land where waste had been deposited requiring that waste was removed.
· The local authority, Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council, obtained a closure order to secure the site – you would need to speak to the council for more information.
· The Environment Agency commenced a significant criminal investigation in January 2025 and are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry and have interviewed people under caution. The Environment Agency, in partnership with the Local Authority are taking steps to prevent further activity at the site, through CCTV and regular site visits.
Has anyone been fined for illegally burning waste?
A major incident was declared in relation to a significant fire at the site between 1 – 10 July 2025. This forms part of our ongoing criminal investigation. There may have been other small fires in the vicinity, which fall under Local Authority remit.
Have there been any arrests regarding the illegal burning of waste on this site?
No, a significant criminal investigation is ongoing. Small fires fall within Local Authority remit.
When was illegal burning of waste on this site first identified?
There was a fire at the site on 1 July 2025. The circumstances of the fire remain under criminal investigation.
How many reports from the public have been received about this site?
The EA received 51 reports in 2025 from members of the public in connection with alleged unauthorised activity at the site, of which 4 were in connection with a fire in early July. We are unable to disclose further detail at this stage due to an ongoing criminal investigation.
What is being done to stop illegal activity at this site?
· Access to the Site is secured with concrete blocks and locked gates.
· The disposal of waste has stopped, and a criminal investigation is underway.
· The local authority, Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council, obtained a closure order to secure the site – contact the council for further information on this.
Link to Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council FAQ page Bolton House Road Bickershaw FAQ's
· The Environment Agency, in partnership with the Local Authority are taking steps to prevent further activity at the site, through CCTV and regular site visits.
Is the Environment Agency pushing for legislative changes that would stop waste criminals exploiting ownerless land so they can dump waste and avoid paying for clean-up?
The Environment work closely with Defra in looking at where the scope of government policy may help prevent waste crime.
What is the expected timeline for removal?
We are doing everything within our powers and remit to help manage the site and continue to work in partnership with Wigan Council, Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and UKHSA.
What are you doing to support residents?
We understand the impact this site is having on the community, and we are doing all we can within our remit to help manage the site in partnership with Wigan Council, Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and UKHSA.