Illegal Waste Sites

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The location of this illegal waste site is along Epping Lane in rural Essex. It sits next to the M25.

Following a report from Epping Forest District Council we first attended site on 15 February 2025 and identified some illegal waste activity. 

We continued to monitor the site while working with our partners and identifying the landowner. National Gas Transmission own a pipeline through the site and began maintenance work on this beginning in May. Our monitoring of the site and photography indicated there were no large-scale deposits between May 2025 to October 2025. 

We attended site on the 17 November 2025 and observed an increase in the amount of waste on site. The next day we issued a cease-and-desist letter and waste activity stopped.

In agreement with Partners, Essex County Council issued a Stop Notice.  This was issued on 11 December 2025 and restricted activity for 56 days.

Throughout January National Gas Transmission were present and completed maintenance work.  On the 27 January 2026, we served a Section 59ZC notice which requires the landowner to remove all illegally stored waste by 27 September 2026. 

On 2 February 2026, we received reports that persons on site were depositing waste. The EA immediately commenced the process of applying for a Restriction Order.

On 6 February, there was a further report and we contacted Essex Police. Essex Police attended site and arrested 2 individuals who were interviewed and bailed. Police seized mobile phones and the Environment Agency seized an HGV lorry. 

On 18 February, we were granted a Restriction Order by the courts. This means that it is a criminal offence to enter the site without prior permission from the Environment Agency. 

On 19 February, we placed concrete blocks at the entrance to further restrict access to the site. 

Now that the site has been secured, alongside our on-going investigation, we have been assessing the risk it poses to the local area.   

We are continuing our investigation into those suspected of waste crime activity. We will engage with the landowner and seek compliance with their responsibilities under the Section 59ZC notice. We are using a multi-agency approach and actively working alongside our partners. 

Alongside our active investigation we will continue to assess and monitor the waste and the risk it can pose to the local area.  Should there be any concerns then these will be acted upon accordingly.