Stoke-on-Trent 2 - Watchlist site 138

A report from a member of the public first alerted the Environment Agency’s West Midlands Illegal Waste team to the deposit of approximately 4,000 tonnes of mixed shredded household waste to infill an existing fishing pool at a site in Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire. Our investigation indicates the site is no longer active.

The site, number 138 on the Environment Agency’s high priority waste sites, is located in a predominantly industrial area away from any Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). 

There have been no fires at the site. However, should a fire break out, this could potentially cause significant disruption to the nearby rail and road networks.

The Environment Agency's investigation is progressing, and we are continuing to follow up on several active lines of enquiry to identify potential offenders. 

We are working with the local authority, whose planning department has served a Stop Notice on the landowner requiring waste activities at the site to cease immediately while potential breaches of planning measures are investigated. 

We are actively gathering evidence and working with partner agencies regarding the appropriate enforcement response in respect of this site.