Half of farmers experienced waste crime but only 12% reported it
29th July 2025
According to the Environment Agency’s National Waste Crime Survey 2025, more than half of landowners and farmers have been affected by waste crime, however, only 12% of them reported the incidents.
The survey also revealed that networks of organised criminal groups operating across the country are targeting privately owned property and land, particularly in rural locations, to dump rubbish collected through illegal means.
The waste industry, landowners and farmers who took part in the survey estimate 35% of waste crime is committed by organised crime groups, attracted by financial gains.
EA said that last year, three men were convicted following a major investigation into large-scale illegal deposits of more than 26,000 tonnes of waste – the equivalent weight of around 2,170 double-decker buses – at 17 sites across the country.
Organised criminal gang members approached waste facilities and offered to dispose of baled waste at reduced costs, which they later abandoned.
READ MORE: Peterborough farmer faces up to five fly-tipping incidents a week
Waste crime epidemic
EA said that it is essential to know when and where these offences are happening, however, the survey shows that just more than a quarter (27%) of all waste crimes are reported.
Steve Molyneux, Environment Agency deputy director for waste & resources regulation, said: “Waste criminals’ toxic crimes cause widespread and significant harm to people, places and the economy. The Environment Agency is determined to use all our powers and resources to stop waste criminals, but we cannot achieve this alone.
“Our survey shows almost three quarters of waste offences go unreported, so we urge industry and the public to help us stop waste criminals faster by sharing what they know about the people carrying out these heinous crimes.”
Sam Corp, head of regulation at the Environmental Services Association, added: “With more than half of British landowners now reporting that they have fallen victim to the illegal dumping of waste, the survey findings are further evidence of the waste crime epidemic facing the UK, much of which is perpetrated by organised crime groups.
“It is essential that we all exercise our duty of care to ensure waste does not fall into criminal hands and that, across society, we report all waste crime when we see it to help the authorities identify and stop the culprits.”
To ensure it has the best possible information to identify and stop the culprits, the Environment Agency is appealing to landowners and farmers to report every incident to its 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
Reports of any known or suspected illegal waste activity can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
Read more rural crime news.
