Arrests Made in Illegal Waste Dumping Investigation
Four individuals have been apprehended as part of a continuing inquiry into the significant illegal disposal of waste at the infamous Bolton House Road site in Wigan, as announced by the Environment Agency on Tuesday, 4 August 2026. This site has been a source of distress for local residents, who have reported unpleasant odours, and it was the scene of a week-long fire last summer that resulted in nearby schools being closed.
The arrests were facilitated by officers from Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and West Yorkshire Police, who collaborated with the Environment Agency to detain the suspects on charges related to environmental offences, fraud, and money laundering. The individuals arrested include:
- A 41-year-old man from Wigan
- A 35-year-old man from Wigan
- A 24-year-old man from Leeds
- A 59-year-old man from Liverpool
Notably, the 24-year-old from Leeds was also implicated in waste dumping activities at the Cave’s Inn Pits Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) located near Shawell in Leicestershire.
Environment Agency’s Commitment to Justice
The investigation is spearheaded by the National Environmental Crime Unit of the Environment Agency, which is dedicated to identifying those responsible for these environmental offences and ensuring they are held accountable. Sue Longstone, Director of Operations for the North at the Environment Agency, remarked on the gravity of the situation, stating:
“The illegal dumping at Bolton House Road and Cave’s Inn Pits are atrocious attacks on our communities, and we share the public’s utter disgust at these horrendous crimes. Our teams have been working relentlessly on these investigations, and our arrests are a vital step in collecting new evidence and progressing it further.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed his concerns after witnessing the conditions firsthand, describing the situation as shocking. He stated, “This is not fly tipping. This is organised crime, and it is local communities that are paying the price. For too long, this issue has been ignored. But not on my watch. Today’s action by the Environment Agency and the police is just the start of our plans. The days of making easy money from waste are over.”
Government’s Zero-Tolerance Approach to Waste Crime
Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle emphasised the government’s commitment to tackling waste crime, calling the dumping at Bolton House Road and Cave’s Inn Pits a blatant disregard for both local communities and the environment. She stated, “Tackling waste crime is one of my top priorities, and these arrests mark an important step in delivering justice for residents in Wigan and Shawell.”
The government is taking a zero-tolerance stance towards waste crime, as highlighted in the Waste Crime Action Plan, which aims to provide regulators and enforcement agencies with the necessary powers and resources to dismantle criminal operations and ensure accountability for environmental damage.
In May, a 58-year-old man from the Birmingham area was also arrested in connection with illegal waste disposal at the Bolton House Road site, further supporting the government’s stringent approach to waste crime.
Community Clean-Up Initiatives Underway
In a bid to restore pride in local communities, the government has committed to funding the clean-up of the Bolton House Road site in Wigan. Collaborating with the local council, efforts are currently underway to recruit a specialist contractor for the clean-up operation. Additionally, measures have been implemented to prevent further illegal dumping at the site, including the placement of concrete blocks at its entrance by the local authority.
Wigan Council is in the process of selecting a contractor, having received assurances regarding the funds necessary for the clean-up. Meanwhile, at Cave’s Inn Pits in Leicestershire, waste criminals reportedly disposed of 30,000 tonnes of shredded waste, layered with soil for concealment. The Environment Agency is concurrently assessing the site for potential environmental impacts while monitoring local air and water quality.
Ongoing Efforts and Reporting Mechanisms
In March, the Environment Agency laid out its 10 Point Plan for tackling waste crime, detailing proactive measures to address illegal activities and enhance the consistency of enforcement actions. In the 2024/25 period, the agency, in conjunction with partners, successfully shut down 743 illegal waste sites operating without permits, led 37 operations resulting in 40 arrests through the Joint Unit for Waste Crime, and initiated 21 money laundering investigations.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any information regarding waste crime to the Environment Agency via its 24-hour incident hotline at 0800 807060 or anonymously through Crimestoppers.