Sheffield Watchlist site 88
The site
The site is located in an industrial area approximately 1.5 miles from Sheffield city centre. Watchlist site 88 has been filled with household and commercial waste by the operators without the required environmental permits or exemptions.
The problem
Waste accumulated to the extent that excess waste was spilling out onto the public highway. The site has generated complaints from neighbouring businesses, with the sighting of rats being reported.
The Magistrates’ Court has imposed a restriction order, restricting access to the site and preventing further imports of waste due to the risk of fire and the risk of harm to human health linked to waste activities at the site. A previous fire occurred at the site in 2014.
The action we’ve taken
The site remains subject to the restriction order, preventing access for any further importation of waste.
The Environment Agency’s Area Enforcement team Yorkshire undertakes regular monitoring and inspections to ensure compliance with the order and to assess ongoing environmental risks. We have commenced legal proceedings against those suspected of waste offending.
We continue to monitor the site and compliance with the restriction order, which remains in place for six months. Further application will be made if necessary and appropriate before the order ends. Criminal proceedings are ongoing, with a Crown Court trial scheduled for January 2028.
Local businesses have expressed concern at the ongoing situation at the site and media interest has generated articles in both local and national press. The local MP has also shown elected member interest.