Illegal waste dump at Callerton near Newcastle Airport shut down as investigation begins

An illegal waste dump at Callerton in Newcastle, near Newcastle Airport, has been shut down by the Environment Agency. It is one of three illegal sites in the North East, along with sites at Peterlee and Hartlepool, that were reported over recent weeks.

Environment Agency officers worked with landowners to close all three sites and put concrete blocks in place to block access. Investigations are now under way into the sites, which all contain shredded household waste, and plans are being made with the landowners to clear it.

Mark Rumble, Environmental Crime Team Leader at the Environment Agency, said: "Illegal waste sites are a blight on our communities and residents should not have to live next to eyesores and put up with the smells." He added that the agency would "do everything possible to ensure those involved in dumping this waste will be held accountable." Emma Hardy, Minister for Circular Economy and Waste Crime, said: "My message to the criminals involved in waste is clear: we are coming for you."

The Environment Agency says it is stepping up action on waste crime under its new 10 Point Plan, which includes acting early before illegal activity becomes established. It is estimated that waste crime costs the UK over £1 billion every year.

The agency is asking anyone with information about the three sites, about those involved in waste crime in the region, or who sees suspicious activity such as unusual HGV movements onto disused or open land, to come forward. Reports can be made to the Environment Agency incident line on 0800 807060 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Residents are advised to check the public register of waste carriers before paying anyone to take waste away, and to ask for and keep a written record of where it is taken. Landowners are urged to check empty land and property regularly, secure it with barriers or concrete blocks, and consider CCTV where appropriate, as they can be liable for waste dumped on their land.