Update on waste removal, January 2026
Preparatory work will begin shortly, and the waste removal is expected to start in February. We will have a clearer timeline once we have completed preliminary work on site.
The scale of fire risk sets this case apart from other illegal waste sites in England and presents an overriding imperative for the public interest. As such, an exceptional decision was made to progress works to remove the waste from the site. It is a priority to get the site cleared as quickly as possible. We continue to work with partners and technical experts on a plan to ensure the waste is removed and disposed of safely and legally.
To help develop this plan we are:
- analysing the waste to identify the right places to dispose of it
- working with partners to identify responsible contractors to remove it
- taking advice to ensure compliance with legal requirements
- assessing logistics of the site to build a suitable site compound so that waste can safely be accessed and removed
- carrying out ecological surveys quickly, so that any necessary mitigations can be put in place to ensure this does not delay the removal of the waste.
A 39-year-old man from Surrey was arrested in November as part of a criminal investigation, which we are progressing at pace as we continue to gather evidence. We are working closely with the police to catch the criminals and bring them to justice.
We have taken samples of the waste materials on the site which are currently being forensically examined.
We have put up fencing around the site to secure it and prevent further illegal waste activity. There is 24 hour security on site and strict access restrictions.
Information about the scope and tender for this work can be accessed using this link Kidlington Waste Clearance - Find a Tender
