West Midlands Regulated Industry

We regularly receive enquiries about our work and this page contains information about our regulation of sites that we have received the most interest about. On the right-hand side of this page you will find information on high interest sites within the West Midlands area. This includes frequently asked questions and answers regarding our work, inspection updates and latest news. If you are interested in a site that is not listed here, please email our customer and enquires team Enquiries_Westmids@environment-agency.gov.uk. (This page will be subject to change, reflecting the level of interest in the sites that we regulate).

Permitted Sites

In the West Midlands (WMD) area, we regulate a large number of permitted sites, including factories, mines, landfills and agricultural producers. The Environment Agency’s role is to assess compliance with the permits and to take appropriate regulatory action if our officers identify any breaches. The Environment Agency expects the operator of any permitted site to use appropriate measures to control potential amenity impacts.

The Environment Agency regulate in accordance with its Enforcement and Sanctions policy and by reference to the Regulators’ Code. You can find further information about how Environment Agency officers assess environmental permit compliance here Waste operations and installations: assessing and scoring environmental permit compliance.

Waste crime and illegal waste sites

Waste crime is a scourge on our communities and we are committed to tackling it.

The Environment Agency is actively combating waste crime in England, focusing on illegal dumping, burning, shipping, and other illicit activities. We use various methods to prevent waste crime, including investigations, enforcement actions, and collaboration with other agencies such as the police. 

There are often several activities involved in waste crime which breach different areas of law all at the same time. As such it’s difficult for one organisation to deal with illegal waste activities alone. That’s why the Environment Agency works together with our partners to proactively agree and carry out joint actions to tackle this issue.

In 2024/5, the Environment Agency successfully stopped activity at 743 illegal waste sites, of which 143 were high risk. Our enforcement officers also prevented nearly 34,000 tonnes of waste from being illegally exported.

Tackling waste crime often involves complex, lengthy investigations to build cases that stand up in court. We understand the frustration this can cause for local communities.

We urge anyone who suspects waste crime to contact our 24/7 incident hotline on 0800 807060 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Permitted Sites

Waste crime and illegal waste sites

Waste crime is a scourge on our communities and we are committed to tackling it.

Tackling waste crime often involves complex, lengthy investigations to build cases that stand up in court. We understand the frustration this can cause for local communities.

We urge anyone who suspects waste crime to contact our 24/7 incident hotline on 0800 807060 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Latest updates from WMD

Gloucester illegal waste site shut down

A court order is now in place prohibiting anyone from entering or importing waste onto a site at Severnside Farm, Gloucester.
As part of ongoing action to tackle waste crime and protect the environment at the site, a Restriction Order was obtained by the Environment Agency on 12 August and will last six months.
The court order follows a joint operation by the Environment Agency, Gloucester City Council and Gloucester Police on 22 – 23 July, when disruption activity at the site included the installation of 84 concrete blocks to prevent further waste from being illegally deposited.
With the Restriction Order now in place, it is a criminal offence for anyone to enter and dump waste on the site at any time. The Environment Agency will work with its partners to monitor the site and to take any further action necessary.
It urges anyone with information about these offences to report it to their incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Nick Green, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency, said:
"The criminals involved in dumping this waste have caused misery for the community and the environment. This order shows we are doing everything to stop the reckless illegal handling and disposal of waste. Working with our partners we’ve shut down the site and secured it while criminal investigations continue.
"This action comes as we ramp up efforts on waste crime across the country as part of our 10 Point Plan, which includes expanding the use of restriction notices and orders to prevent illegal dumping.
“Communities are also our partners in this, acting as our eyes and ears. Reporting information to us as soon as possible means we can take swift action to intervene.”
James Dykes, Enforcement and Regulation Manager at Gloucester City Council, said:
“We are grateful to the Environment Agency for securing this Restriction Order and taking further legal action to protect the site following the Gloucester City Council led operation last month.
“Illegal waste activity causes significant harm to local communities. We want to send a clear message that Gloucester City Council will not hesitate from taking robust and appropriate action against those responsible.
“We will continue to work with our partners to identify offenders, disrupt illegal activity and protect our communities from this type of environmental damage."
Inspector James O'Neill from the Gloucester Neighbourhood Policing team said:
"We are committed to working with partners such as Gloucester City Council and the Environment Agency to tackle the illegal dumping of waste.
"We will take robust action against anyone who engages in illegal fly tipping as it blights our communities and presents health risks for residents, as well as creating significant cleaning costs for Public Services.
"We are pleased that our joint working in this case is resulting in positive enforcement activity, and look forward to continuing this work in the future.”

Image shows concrete blocks in place to block access to the land.

A court order is now in place prohibiting anyone from entering or importing waste onto a site at Severnside Farm, Gloucester.
As part of ongoing action to tackle waste crime and protect the environment at the site, a Restriction Order was obtained by the Environment Agency on 12 August and will last six months.
The court order follows a joint operation by the Environment Agency, Gloucester City Council and Gloucester Police on 22 – 23 July, when disruption activity at the site included the installation of 84 concrete blocks to prevent further waste from being illegally deposited.
With the Restriction Order now in place, it is a criminal offence for anyone to enter and dump waste on the site at any time. The Environment Agency will work with its partners to monitor the site and to take any further action necessary.
It urges anyone with information about these offences to report it to their incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Nick Green, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency, said:
"The criminals involved in dumping this waste have caused misery for the community and the environment. This order shows we are doing everything to stop the reckless illegal handling and disposal of waste. Working with our partners we’ve shut down the site and secured it while criminal investigations continue.
"This action comes as we ramp up efforts on waste crime across the country as part of our 10 Point Plan, which includes expanding the use of restriction notices and orders to prevent illegal dumping.
“Communities are also our partners in this, acting as our eyes and ears. Reporting information to us as soon as possible means we can take swift action to intervene.”
James Dykes, Enforcement and Regulation Manager at Gloucester City Council, said:
“We are grateful to the Environment Agency for securing this Restriction Order and taking further legal action to protect the site following the Gloucester City Council led operation last month.
“Illegal waste activity causes significant harm to local communities. We want to send a clear message that Gloucester City Council will not hesitate from taking robust and appropriate action against those responsible.
“We will continue to work with our partners to identify offenders, disrupt illegal activity and protect our communities from this type of environmental damage."
Inspector James O'Neill from the Gloucester Neighbourhood Policing team said:
"We are committed to working with partners such as Gloucester City Council and the Environment Agency to tackle the illegal dumping of waste.
"We will take robust action against anyone who engages in illegal fly tipping as it blights our communities and presents health risks for residents, as well as creating significant cleaning costs for Public Services.
"We are pleased that our joint working in this case is resulting in positive enforcement activity, and look forward to continuing this work in the future.”

Image shows concrete blocks in place to block access to the land.
Granville Landfill Update - 7 August 2026

We are aware of an incident at the Granville Landfill site on 6 August involving a fire in a piece of mobile plant used in site operations. Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the site, and the fire was extinguished within three hours.

Environment Agency officers have been in contact with the site operator and will be reviewing the circumstances of the incident to determine whether any further action is required. Based on the information currently available, we are not aware of any damage to the wider site infrastructure, or that any landfill waste was burnt.

We recognise that any incident at the site may be concerning for local residents. We will continue to regulate the site in line with its environmental permit, including carrying out site inspections and monitoring compliance with permit conditions. We will provide further updates if additional information becomes available.
We are aware of an incident at the Granville Landfill site on 6 August involving a fire in a piece of mobile plant used in site operations. Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the site, and the fire was extinguished within three hours.

Environment Agency officers have been in contact with the site operator and will be reviewing the circumstances of the incident to determine whether any further action is required. Based on the information currently available, we are not aware of any damage to the wider site infrastructure, or that any landfill waste was burnt.

We recognise that any incident at the site may be concerning for local residents. We will continue to regulate the site in line with its environmental permit, including carrying out site inspections and monitoring compliance with permit conditions. We will provide further updates if additional information becomes available.
Cave's Inn Pits Update - 4 August
Four men have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into large-scale, illegal dumping of waste at the notorious Bolton House Road waste site in Wigan, the Environment Agency announced today (Tuesday 4 August 2026).
The site has caused misery for local residents with reports of horrid smells – while a week-long fire caused nearby schools to shut last summer.
Officers from Greater Manchester, Lancashire and West Yorkshire Police, working in support of the Environment Agency, secured the arrest of the suspects for environmental, fraud and money laundering offences. The suspects are:
A 41-year-old male from Wigan
A 35-year-old male from Wigan
A 24-year-old male from Leeds
A 59-year-old male from Liverpool
One of the suspects – the 24-year-old male from Leeds – was also arrested in connection with waste dumping at the Cave’s Inn Pits Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) near Shawell in Leicestershire.
The Environment Agency’s investigation is being led by its National Environmental Crime Unit, which is seeking to find those responsible for the offending and hold them to account.
Sue Longstone, Director of Operations for the North at the Environment Agency, said:
The illegal dumping at Bolton House Road and Cave’s Inn Pits are atrocious attacks on our communities, and we share the public’s utter disgust at these horrendous crimes.
Our teams have been working relentlessly on these investigations, and our arrests are a vital step in collecting new evidence and progressing it further.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:
I have stood on Bolton House Road and seen what local people have had to live with. It is shocking – an ocean of rubbish piled up next to a primary school, and families unable to escape the smell in their own homes.
This is not fly tipping. This is organised crime, and it is local communities that are paying the price.
For too long, this issue has been ignored. But not on my watch. Today’s action by the Environment Agency and the police is just the start of our plans. The days of making easy money from waste are over.
Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle said:
The appalling dumping of waste at Bolton House Road and Cave’s Inn Pits represents a blatant disregard for local communities and the environment.
Tackling waste crime is one of my top priorities, and these arrests mark an important step in delivering justice for residents in Wigan and Shawell.
This government is taking a zero-tolerance approach to waste crime. Through our Waste Crime Action Plan, we are giving regulators and enforcement agencies the powers and resources they need to break up criminal operations and ensure those responsible are held fully accountable for the damage they have caused.
I want to be clear to waste criminals: we are coming for you.
In May, a 58-year-old male from the Birmingham area was also arrested for illegal dumping of waste at the Bolton House Road site.
These arrests support the delivery of the government’s Waste Crime Action Plan, which sets out a zero-tolerance approach to waste crime, including tougher enforcement measures and new powers to equip regulators with the tools to stop waste crime in its tracks.
As part of its commitment to restore pride in local communities, the government has announced it will directly fund the clean-up of the Bolton House Road site in Wigan. Working with the council, a process is now underway to recruit a specialist contractor to manage the clean-up operation.
Robust action has been already taken to ensure no additional waste is dumped illegally at this site. This includes depositing concrete blocks at the entrance of the site by the local authority. Wigan Council are currently looking to recruit a specialist contractor after being given assurances the funds required to do clear up the site will be provided.
At Cave’s Inn Pits in Leicestershire, waste criminals dumped 30,000 tonnes of shredded waste in layers with soil used to cover it. Alongside the ongoing criminal investigation, the Environment Agency is assessing the waste to ensure there are no further environmental impacts, as well as monitoring local air and water quality.
Site at Cave's Inn Pits in Leicestershire. Credit: Environment Agency/Natural England
In March, the Environment Agency published its 10 Point Plan for tackling waste crime, which sets out how it will act earlier to address illegal activity and deliver more consistent enforcement action.
In 2024/25, the Environment Agency working with partners stopped 743 illegal waste sites operating without permits, led 37 operations resulting in 40 arrests through the Joint Unit for Waste Crime and conducted 21 money laundering investigations.
Any information can be reported to the Environment Agency via its 24-hour incident hotline at 0800 807060 or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
Four men arrested for illegal waste dumping at infamous Wigan site - GOV.UK
Four men have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into large-scale, illegal dumping of waste at the notorious Bolton House Road waste site in Wigan, the Environment Agency announced today (Tuesday 4 August 2026).
The site has caused misery for local residents with reports of horrid smells – while a week-long fire caused nearby schools to shut last summer.
Officers from Greater Manchester, Lancashire and West Yorkshire Police, working in support of the Environment Agency, secured the arrest of the suspects for environmental, fraud and money laundering offences. The suspects are:
A 41-year-old male from Wigan
A 35-year-old male from Wigan
A 24-year-old male from Leeds
A 59-year-old male from Liverpool
One of the suspects – the 24-year-old male from Leeds – was also arrested in connection with waste dumping at the Cave’s Inn Pits Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) near Shawell in Leicestershire.
The Environment Agency’s investigation is being led by its National Environmental Crime Unit, which is seeking to find those responsible for the offending and hold them to account.
Sue Longstone, Director of Operations for the North at the Environment Agency, said:
The illegal dumping at Bolton House Road and Cave’s Inn Pits are atrocious attacks on our communities, and we share the public’s utter disgust at these horrendous crimes.
Our teams have been working relentlessly on these investigations, and our arrests are a vital step in collecting new evidence and progressing it further.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:
I have stood on Bolton House Road and seen what local people have had to live with. It is shocking – an ocean of rubbish piled up next to a primary school, and families unable to escape the smell in their own homes.
This is not fly tipping. This is organised crime, and it is local communities that are paying the price.
For too long, this issue has been ignored. But not on my watch. Today’s action by the Environment Agency and the police is just the start of our plans. The days of making easy money from waste are over.
Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle said:
The appalling dumping of waste at Bolton House Road and Cave’s Inn Pits represents a blatant disregard for local communities and the environment.
Tackling waste crime is one of my top priorities, and these arrests mark an important step in delivering justice for residents in Wigan and Shawell.
This government is taking a zero-tolerance approach to waste crime. Through our Waste Crime Action Plan, we are giving regulators and enforcement agencies the powers and resources they need to break up criminal operations and ensure those responsible are held fully accountable for the damage they have caused.
I want to be clear to waste criminals: we are coming for you.
In May, a 58-year-old male from the Birmingham area was also arrested for illegal dumping of waste at the Bolton House Road site.
These arrests support the delivery of the government’s Waste Crime Action Plan, which sets out a zero-tolerance approach to waste crime, including tougher enforcement measures and new powers to equip regulators with the tools to stop waste crime in its tracks.
As part of its commitment to restore pride in local communities, the government has announced it will directly fund the clean-up of the Bolton House Road site in Wigan. Working with the council, a process is now underway to recruit a specialist contractor to manage the clean-up operation.
Robust action has been already taken to ensure no additional waste is dumped illegally at this site. This includes depositing concrete blocks at the entrance of the site by the local authority. Wigan Council are currently looking to recruit a specialist contractor after being given assurances the funds required to do clear up the site will be provided.
At Cave’s Inn Pits in Leicestershire, waste criminals dumped 30,000 tonnes of shredded waste in layers with soil used to cover it. Alongside the ongoing criminal investigation, the Environment Agency is assessing the waste to ensure there are no further environmental impacts, as well as monitoring local air and water quality.
Site at Cave's Inn Pits in Leicestershire. Credit: Environment Agency/Natural England
In March, the Environment Agency published its 10 Point Plan for tackling waste crime, which sets out how it will act earlier to address illegal activity and deliver more consistent enforcement action.
In 2024/25, the Environment Agency working with partners stopped 743 illegal waste sites operating without permits, led 37 operations resulting in 40 arrests through the Joint Unit for Waste Crime and conducted 21 money laundering investigations.
Any information can be reported to the Environment Agency via its 24-hour incident hotline at 0800 807060 or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
Four men arrested for illegal waste dumping at infamous Wigan site - GOV.UK
D S Environmental - Revocation of Permit

The Environment Agency has revoked the environmental permit held by DS Environmental Ltd in Wolverhampton, following a history of poor performance including failure to operate in accordance with a written management system and accepting waste not authorised by the permit.
A revocation notice was issued to the company on 28 May 2026 in relation to its permit, which allowed the import of waste to the site. The revocation came into effect on 30 June 2026, preventing the company from accepting waste.
The decision follows sustained intervention by the Environment Agency and a series of enforcement actions due to poor performance. The Environment Agency has worked closely with partner organisations throughout its regulatory response to ensure risks to the environment and local communities were appropriately managed.
The revocation forms part of the Environment Agency's wider efforts to tackle waste crime and drive improvements across the waste sector. The action aligns with the agency's 10 Point Plan for Waste Crime, which includes taking faster and more targeted action against operators who consistently fail to meet the standards required by their environmental permits.
Tom Mountford, Waste Team Leader has said:
"We are committed to protecting communities and the environment by taking robust action against operators who fail to meet their environmental obligations. Revoking permits is one of the enforcement tools available to us where there are serious and persistent concerns about compliance and environmental risk."
The Environment Agency continues to prioritise action against poor-performing waste sites, with a focus on reducing environmental harm, tackling waste crime, and ensuring responsible operators are held to the standards expected by the industry.

Photo on site - 30 June 2026 Site photo 2 - 30 June 2026

The Environment Agency has revoked the environmental permit held by DS Environmental Ltd in Wolverhampton, following a history of poor performance including failure to operate in accordance with a written management system and accepting waste not authorised by the permit.
A revocation notice was issued to the company on 28 May 2026 in relation to its permit, which allowed the import of waste to the site. The revocation came into effect on 30 June 2026, preventing the company from accepting waste.
The decision follows sustained intervention by the Environment Agency and a series of enforcement actions due to poor performance. The Environment Agency has worked closely with partner organisations throughout its regulatory response to ensure risks to the environment and local communities were appropriately managed.
The revocation forms part of the Environment Agency's wider efforts to tackle waste crime and drive improvements across the waste sector. The action aligns with the agency's 10 Point Plan for Waste Crime, which includes taking faster and more targeted action against operators who consistently fail to meet the standards required by their environmental permits.
Tom Mountford, Waste Team Leader has said:
"We are committed to protecting communities and the environment by taking robust action against operators who fail to meet their environmental obligations. Revoking permits is one of the enforcement tools available to us where there are serious and persistent concerns about compliance and environmental risk."
The Environment Agency continues to prioritise action against poor-performing waste sites, with a focus on reducing environmental harm, tackling waste crime, and ensuring responsible operators are held to the standards expected by the industry.

Photo on site - 30 June 2026 Site photo 2 - 30 June 2026
Major operation to tackle illegal waste site and protect communities - Gloucester
The operation followed months of enforcement action after a significant illegal waste operation emerged at the site. Formal notices were served requiring waste to be removed, waste burning to cease and measures to be put in place to prevent further activity. Following the failure to comply within the required timescales, the Council exercised its legal powers to undertake works in default.
Working alongside partner agencies, including The Environment Agency and Gloucestershire Constabulary and Ubico, the Council oversaw the removal of waste from the site and the installation of measures designed to prevent unauthorised access and deter any future recurrence of illegal waste activity.
The operation also forms part of an ongoing investigation into those responsible for the site, with evidence being gathered to support future enforcement action and potential prosecutions.
Work had to be suspended after the discovery of a significant amount of asbestos buried within the illegally deposited waste on the site. Teams had removed approximately 75 tonnes of waste and rubbish from the site before the operation was immediately suspended when asbestos-containing materials were identified within the waste.
The Council is now taking further steps to secure the site, with concrete blocks being installed at the entrance to prevent unauthorised access.
Specialist asbestos removal contractors will be contacted to assess the extent of the contamination and determine the safest and most appropriate way forward.
It is estimated that more than 250 tonnes of waste remain on the site.
The Council has stressed that there is no risk to residents living in neighbouring properties. However, officers have strongly criticised the actions of those who disposed of the material.
Asbestos is a hazardous substance which requires careful handling, removal and disposal by appropriately trained and licensed specialists. Avoiding the proper and lawful disposal of asbestos in order to save money is not only irresponsible but has the potential to put people at serious risk.
While there is no risk to nearby residents, if those responsible for depositing the asbestos failed to use specialist contractors to handle and remove it, they may have put themselves and others involved in the activity at risk.
James Dykes, Enforcement and Regulation Service Manager at Gloucester City Council, said:
"Anyone seeking to avoid the cost of disposing of asbestos safely and legally is taking an incredibly reckless approach that has the potential to put themselves and other people at risk. We remain absolutely committed to clearing this site and protecting local residents. Once the concerns about the asbestos have been resolved, we will do everything we can to tackle the remaining issues.”
The operation also forms part of an ongoing investigation into those responsible for the site, with evidence being gathered to support future enforcement action and potential prosecutions.
Nick Green, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency, said:
“Working with our partners we’ve taken action to shut down this site and secure it while criminal investigations continue.
“The action comes as we ramp up efforts on waste crime as part of our 10 Point Plan, which includes expanding the use of restriction notices and orders to prevent illegal dumping.
“Communities are also our partners in this, acting as our eyes and ears. Reporting information to us as soon as possible means we can take swift action to intervene.
“We urge anyone with information about this site to report it to our incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Inspector James O’Neill, from the Gloucester Neighbourhood policing team, said:
"Today’s activity involved securing the site, serving enforcement notices against those responsible and the clearance of the waste.
"As a result of the operation, a piece of heavy plant machinery used by those operating the illegal waste site was seized. As well as this, two vehicles laden with waste and bound for the site were stopped and dealt with by Police and Environment Agency staff. One driver was reported for summons for prosecution for various offences, whilst the other vehicle was seized to be crushed.
"We hope that today's efforts show the local community how seriously we are taking this issue as we will be working with partner agency colleagues to conduct further enforcement action."
Warning to householders
As part of its wider campaign against environmental crime, Gloucester City Council is also reminding residents that everyone has a legal duty of care when disposing of household waste.
Householders should always use reputable and properly licensed waste carriers when arranging for rubbish, garden waste, furniture or building materials to be removed from their property.
Residents are encouraged to:
Check that anyone collecting waste is registered as a licensed waste carrier.
Ask for a waste transfer note or receipt.
Be wary of offers that seem unusually cheap.
Keep records of who removed their waste.
Failing to take reasonable steps to ensure waste is disposed of responsibly can result in enforcement action if that waste is later found to have been fly-tipped.
James Dykes, Enforcement and Regulation Service Manager, at Gloucester City Council said:
"Environmental crime often starts with waste being handed to individuals who have no intention of disposing of it legally. Choosing a reputable, licensed waste carrier is one of the simplest ways residents can help protect their neighbourhoods and the environment.
If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is."
Today's operation forms part of Gloucester City Council's ongoing work with partner agencies to tackle environmental crime, protect public spaces and ensure those who break the law are held accountable.
The operation followed months of enforcement action after a significant illegal waste operation emerged at the site. Formal notices were served requiring waste to be removed, waste burning to cease and measures to be put in place to prevent further activity. Following the failure to comply within the required timescales, the Council exercised its legal powers to undertake works in default.
Working alongside partner agencies, including The Environment Agency and Gloucestershire Constabulary and Ubico, the Council oversaw the removal of waste from the site and the installation of measures designed to prevent unauthorised access and deter any future recurrence of illegal waste activity.
The operation also forms part of an ongoing investigation into those responsible for the site, with evidence being gathered to support future enforcement action and potential prosecutions.
Work had to be suspended after the discovery of a significant amount of asbestos buried within the illegally deposited waste on the site. Teams had removed approximately 75 tonnes of waste and rubbish from the site before the operation was immediately suspended when asbestos-containing materials were identified within the waste.
The Council is now taking further steps to secure the site, with concrete blocks being installed at the entrance to prevent unauthorised access.
Specialist asbestos removal contractors will be contacted to assess the extent of the contamination and determine the safest and most appropriate way forward.
It is estimated that more than 250 tonnes of waste remain on the site.
The Council has stressed that there is no risk to residents living in neighbouring properties. However, officers have strongly criticised the actions of those who disposed of the material.
Asbestos is a hazardous substance which requires careful handling, removal and disposal by appropriately trained and licensed specialists. Avoiding the proper and lawful disposal of asbestos in order to save money is not only irresponsible but has the potential to put people at serious risk.
While there is no risk to nearby residents, if those responsible for depositing the asbestos failed to use specialist contractors to handle and remove it, they may have put themselves and others involved in the activity at risk.
James Dykes, Enforcement and Regulation Service Manager at Gloucester City Council, said:
"Anyone seeking to avoid the cost of disposing of asbestos safely and legally is taking an incredibly reckless approach that has the potential to put themselves and other people at risk. We remain absolutely committed to clearing this site and protecting local residents. Once the concerns about the asbestos have been resolved, we will do everything we can to tackle the remaining issues.”
The operation also forms part of an ongoing investigation into those responsible for the site, with evidence being gathered to support future enforcement action and potential prosecutions.
Nick Green, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency, said:
“Working with our partners we’ve taken action to shut down this site and secure it while criminal investigations continue.
“The action comes as we ramp up efforts on waste crime as part of our 10 Point Plan, which includes expanding the use of restriction notices and orders to prevent illegal dumping.
“Communities are also our partners in this, acting as our eyes and ears. Reporting information to us as soon as possible means we can take swift action to intervene.
“We urge anyone with information about this site to report it to our incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Inspector James O’Neill, from the Gloucester Neighbourhood policing team, said:
"Today’s activity involved securing the site, serving enforcement notices against those responsible and the clearance of the waste.
"As a result of the operation, a piece of heavy plant machinery used by those operating the illegal waste site was seized. As well as this, two vehicles laden with waste and bound for the site were stopped and dealt with by Police and Environment Agency staff. One driver was reported for summons for prosecution for various offences, whilst the other vehicle was seized to be crushed.
"We hope that today's efforts show the local community how seriously we are taking this issue as we will be working with partner agency colleagues to conduct further enforcement action."
Warning to householders
As part of its wider campaign against environmental crime, Gloucester City Council is also reminding residents that everyone has a legal duty of care when disposing of household waste.
Householders should always use reputable and properly licensed waste carriers when arranging for rubbish, garden waste, furniture or building materials to be removed from their property.
Residents are encouraged to:
Check that anyone collecting waste is registered as a licensed waste carrier.
Ask for a waste transfer note or receipt.
Be wary of offers that seem unusually cheap.
Keep records of who removed their waste.
Failing to take reasonable steps to ensure waste is disposed of responsibly can result in enforcement action if that waste is later found to have been fly-tipped.
James Dykes, Enforcement and Regulation Service Manager, at Gloucester City Council said:
"Environmental crime often starts with waste being handed to individuals who have no intention of disposing of it legally. Choosing a reputable, licensed waste carrier is one of the simplest ways residents can help protect their neighbourhoods and the environment.
If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is."
Today's operation forms part of Gloucester City Council's ongoing work with partner agencies to tackle environmental crime, protect public spaces and ensure those who break the law are held accountable.
Plasgran Update - 18 June 2026

Since our last update on the 6 May 2026, repair work on the Effluent Treatment Plant has now been completed and operations are back to normal. Following the Environment Agency’s audit last year, the operator was required to undertake an assessment of potential odorous sources throughout its operations and to design and implement solutions should they be required. This assessment is currently ongoing to ensure that, if any work is required, it will be the correct and permanent solution. The operator must submit their assessment to the Environment Agency by 30 September 2026. Any work which is required as a result of the assessment, will need to be designed and implemented by 30 June 2027.
The Environment Agency has reviewed the current permit to ensure it incorporates the latest guidance and the steps that need to be undertaken to resolve potential odorous sources. A permit variation was issued on the 12 June 2026.
Since our last update on the 6 May 2026, repair work on the Effluent Treatment Plant has now been completed and operations are back to normal. Following the Environment Agency’s audit last year, the operator was required to undertake an assessment of potential odorous sources throughout its operations and to design and implement solutions should they be required. This assessment is currently ongoing to ensure that, if any work is required, it will be the correct and permanent solution. The operator must submit their assessment to the Environment Agency by 30 September 2026. Any work which is required as a result of the assessment, will need to be designed and implemented by 30 June 2027.
The Environment Agency has reviewed the current permit to ensure it incorporates the latest guidance and the steps that need to be undertaken to resolve potential odorous sources. A permit variation was issued on the 12 June 2026.
Cave's Inn Pits Update - 22 May 2026

Further to our update of 30 April, Environment Agency officers have been working at pace on site as part of their criminal investigation into this illegal waste dumping. We ask anyone with information about those responsible for the tipping at Cave’s Inn Pits to please come forward. No detail is too small - if you know anything at all, please report it. Reports can be made anonymously to the numbers below.
Working closely with Natural England we also continue to monitor the site for any environmental impacts and can confirm we have not seen any impacts to nearby watercourses. There has also been no further dumping on the site.
Working alongside local councils and emergency services, we have formed a dedicated multi-agency group to address the impacts of this illegal waste dumping. By working together, we can share information, reduce harm to the environment and minimise the impact on the local community as quickly as possible.
The Environment Agency is not funded to clear illegal waste sites. In line with the polluter pays principle, we will always seek to ensure that those responsible for dumping waste ultimately pay for the cost of cleaning it up.
Anyone with information about this crime should call the Environment Agency’s 24-hour hotline on 0800 807060, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Further to our update of 30 April, Environment Agency officers have been working at pace on site as part of their criminal investigation into this illegal waste dumping. We ask anyone with information about those responsible for the tipping at Cave’s Inn Pits to please come forward. No detail is too small - if you know anything at all, please report it. Reports can be made anonymously to the numbers below.
Working closely with Natural England we also continue to monitor the site for any environmental impacts and can confirm we have not seen any impacts to nearby watercourses. There has also been no further dumping on the site.
Working alongside local councils and emergency services, we have formed a dedicated multi-agency group to address the impacts of this illegal waste dumping. By working together, we can share information, reduce harm to the environment and minimise the impact on the local community as quickly as possible.
The Environment Agency is not funded to clear illegal waste sites. In line with the polluter pays principle, we will always seek to ensure that those responsible for dumping waste ultimately pay for the cost of cleaning it up.
Anyone with information about this crime should call the Environment Agency’s 24-hour hotline on 0800 807060, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Plasgran Update - 6 May 2026

Following the Environment Agency’s audit last year the operator was required to undertake a structural survey.
The next stage of this process involves further assessment and carrying out work on the Effluent Treatment Plant. This work will require the plant to be emptied and parts of the structure to be removed to allow improvements to be made.
Work is due to start today, and there may be a temporary increase in odours during this time. These works are essential to the continued operation of the site. We will continue to update the community on the progress of the works.
Following the Environment Agency’s audit last year the operator was required to undertake a structural survey.
The next stage of this process involves further assessment and carrying out work on the Effluent Treatment Plant. This work will require the plant to be emptied and parts of the structure to be removed to allow improvements to be made.
Work is due to start today, and there may be a temporary increase in odours during this time. These works are essential to the continued operation of the site. We will continue to update the community on the progress of the works.
Granville Landfill update - 30 April 2026

Following our update on the 25 March we have seen a reduction in odour complaints during the month of April. The mechanical breakdown that prevented waste from being accepted onto site has now been resolved and operations have resumed. We continue to undertake regular site inspections and odour assessments both during operational hours and out of hours in response to the reports we have received.
We have now received the sites gas management plan, which we are currently reviewing to ensure that appropriate measures are being implemented. We are continuing to attend regular meetings with the operator, the gas contractor and Telford and Wrekin Council to monitor the situation and agree any further necessary actions.
Following our update on the 25 March we have seen a reduction in odour complaints during the month of April. The mechanical breakdown that prevented waste from being accepted onto site has now been resolved and operations have resumed. We continue to undertake regular site inspections and odour assessments both during operational hours and out of hours in response to the reports we have received.
We have now received the sites gas management plan, which we are currently reviewing to ensure that appropriate measures are being implemented. We are continuing to attend regular meetings with the operator, the gas contractor and Telford and Wrekin Council to monitor the situation and agree any further necessary actions.
Cave's Inn Pits Update - 30 April 2026

The Environment Agency, working with Natural England, has launched an investigation into the large-scale, illegal dumping of waste at the Cave’s Inn Pits Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) near Shawell, Leicestershire.
The site is well-concealed but on receiving reports of odours from the public, Environment Agency and Natural England officers visited the site last week. They discovered significant amounts of household waste had been dumped at the site, causing pollution to the SSSI.
Shredded waste found
The site is believed to hold approximately 30,000 tonnes of shredded waste in layers with soil used to cover it. The public are urged to stay away from the site whilst the investigation is ongoing.
Alongside the criminal investigation, the Environment Agency is assessing the waste to ensure there are no further environmental impacts, as well as monitoring local air and water quality.
The Environment Agency has recently released their ‘10 point plan’ to combat waste crime, which marks a step change in the way illegal activity is tackled in the waste sector.

Site at Cave's Inn Pits in Leicestershire. Credit: Environment Agency/Natural England
Ian Jones, Area Director, West Midlands at the Environment Agency, said:

This is a sickening case of large-scale illegal waste dumping, and we share the public’s disgust. 

We have launched an investigation with Natural England to find the criminals and ensure they pay the price for their despicable actions.

We ask the public to stay away from the area, which is on private land, while we investigate.

Anyone with information about this incident should please call our 24-hour hotline.

Phil Hukin, Principal Manager, Leicestershire and Rutland at Natural England said:

This site contained some of the best remaining areas of neutral marsh in Leicestershire. It is heartbreaking to see one of England’s precious sites of special scientific interest damaged like this.

Our officers are working closely with Environment Agency colleagues to investigate this appalling crime.

The Environment Agency is appealing for anyone with information to come forward and report it to their incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Environment Agency, working with Natural England, has launched an investigation into the large-scale, illegal dumping of waste at the Cave’s Inn Pits Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) near Shawell, Leicestershire.
The site is well-concealed but on receiving reports of odours from the public, Environment Agency and Natural England officers visited the site last week. They discovered significant amounts of household waste had been dumped at the site, causing pollution to the SSSI.
Shredded waste found
The site is believed to hold approximately 30,000 tonnes of shredded waste in layers with soil used to cover it. The public are urged to stay away from the site whilst the investigation is ongoing.
Alongside the criminal investigation, the Environment Agency is assessing the waste to ensure there are no further environmental impacts, as well as monitoring local air and water quality.
The Environment Agency has recently released their ‘10 point plan’ to combat waste crime, which marks a step change in the way illegal activity is tackled in the waste sector.

Site at Cave's Inn Pits in Leicestershire. Credit: Environment Agency/Natural England
Ian Jones, Area Director, West Midlands at the Environment Agency, said:

This is a sickening case of large-scale illegal waste dumping, and we share the public’s disgust. 

We have launched an investigation with Natural England to find the criminals and ensure they pay the price for their despicable actions.

We ask the public to stay away from the area, which is on private land, while we investigate.

Anyone with information about this incident should please call our 24-hour hotline.

Phil Hukin, Principal Manager, Leicestershire and Rutland at Natural England said:

This site contained some of the best remaining areas of neutral marsh in Leicestershire. It is heartbreaking to see one of England’s precious sites of special scientific interest damaged like this.

Our officers are working closely with Environment Agency colleagues to investigate this appalling crime.

The Environment Agency is appealing for anyone with information to come forward and report it to their incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.