Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle has launched a new Waste Crime Crackdown Group, bringing together police, regulators and local leaders together to step up enforcement against waste crime.  

The group will work to identify the weaknesses in the waste system that criminals exploit and remove blockers for change.

Meeting for the first time on 4 November, the group will discuss ramping up enforcement against the gangs profiting from illegal dumping and improving how they share intelligence. They will be asked to examine where enforcement powers can go further.

Environment Secretary, Dame Angela Eagle said: "For too long communities have been left to live with the consequences of waste crime. I am changing that.  

"Our tougher enforcement is already showing results with arrests ramping up. But these are organised criminals and we must keep up the pressure to disrupt their operations.  

"The new Waste Crime Crackdown Group brings police and industry leaders together to share intelligence and close every loophole. Our message to criminals is clear: we’re closing in."

Philip Duffy, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, said: "Getting organised criminals out of our waste system needs everyone to work together: police, regulators and local government. By sharing more intelligence, we can stop criminals getting their hands on waste in the first place.

"In recent months we have toughened our approach and it’s paying off already, with more than 30 arrests, assets seized and permits stripped from unscrupulous operators.

"With loopholes tightened, new powers and financial support from the Government, we are working closely through this Group to make a real difference to communities affected by waste crime."