Man arrested in connection with North East illegal waste dumping

A 32-year-old man was arrested at an address in Sunderland on 1 October as part of a joint operation between Northumbria Police and the Environment Agency. He is currently in custody and being questioned regarding illegal waste dumping at the former Dewhirst site in Peterlee and Hart Quarry in Hartlepool. The arrest follows an ongoing investigation into three separate illegal waste sites, including one near Newcastle Airport at Callerton in Newcastle. Together, the sites contain thousands of tonnes of waste, prompting enforcement action.

The Environment Agency confirmed the arrest forms part of its 10-point plan to tackle waste crime, which includes increased frontline officers and tougher penalties. The government has pledged to shut down those responsible, building on the Waste Crime Action Plan introduced in August. The Agency stated it is delivering on its commitment to trace and prosecute those involved in illegal dumping operations.

All three illegal waste sites were reported to the Environment Agency over the summer and were swiftly shut down with concrete blocks placed to prevent access. Investigators conducted searches at the sites to gather evidence against those responsible. The Agency emphasised that organised criminal gangs will no longer evade accountability for waste crime.

Illegal waste dumping poses risks to communities, the environment, and legitimate businesses, with waste crime estimated to cost the UK over £1 billion annually. The Environment Agency is urging the public to report suspicious activity, such as unusual HGV movements onto disused land, to help combat waste crime in the region.