Joint waste crime initiative - October 2025

On 17 October, the Environment Agency joined officers from the Sandwell Priority Crime Team, Sandwell Council, West Midlands Fire Service, Immigration, and the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service in Smethwick for a coordinated operation focused on tackling vehicle-related crime.

We’d received reports that the site was being used as an illegal waste transfer station and that there were illegal exports of waste electrical equipment on site. Our officers inspected the containers and found a large amount of scrap material, such as car parts, engines and scrap bicycles. There were also multiple scrap fridges/freezers found on site.

We carried out a thorough inspection of the buildings, actively looking for any signs of any illegal activity. Our aim was to identify the presence of waste material, document any supporting evidence and evaluate any waste operations in order to assess their compliance. We also looked for any potential offences which may fall under the jurisdiction of other government agencies or the police.

Alan Kerr, Environmental Crime Team Leader said:

“This operation shows the benefits of joint agency working in protecting the most vulnerable. Our officers were on site following reports that this was an illegal waste transfer station along with suspected illegal export of waste electrical equipment. The Environment Agency will continue to work tirelessly with partners, targeting those who are suspected to be involved in waste crime and those who pollute the environment.”

If you know or suspect illegal waste activity, report it anonymously to Crimestoppers: Crimestoppers or call 0800 555 111.

Officers on site - 17 October 2025

Image of car parts on site