Cornwall man arrested in Environment Agency waste crime operation
A 20-year-old man from Cornwall was arrested on 5 August 2026 as part of an Environment Agency investigation into illegal waste activities near Camborne, supported by Cornwall Council and Devon and Cornwall Police.
A man in his 20s from Cornwall was arrested on Wednesday 5 August 2026 following an Environment Agency investigation into suspected illegal waste activities at a site near Camborne. The operation involved Cornwall Council, which is separately investigating offences at another location. Devon and Cornwall Police assisted in the arrest, which relates to alleged environmental offences. The suspect was detained as part of efforts to gather new evidence and advance the investigation.
The Environment Agency stated that this arrest represents a significant step in addressing illegal waste operations that threaten local communities and the environment. Authorities emphasised their commitment to enforcing the government’s Waste Crime Action Plan and the Environment Agency’s 10 Point Plan, which promote a zero-tolerance approach to waste crime. The plans include stricter enforcement measures and new regulatory powers to prevent such activities.
The Camborne site under investigation contains approximately 50,000 tonnes of predominantly inert construction waste. The Environment Agency previously intervened by issuing Illegal Waste Stop Letters to the landowner, hauliers, and operator to halt unauthorised deposits. These actions were taken to prevent further environmental harm and illegal activity at the site.
Members of the public can report suspected waste crime to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour incident hotline at 0800 807060 or provide anonymous tips via Crimestoppers. The agencies urged vigilance and cooperation from the community to support ongoing enforcement efforts against illegal waste operations.