Illegal waste dump found at Callerton as Environment Agency investigates three North East sites

An illegal waste dump containing shredded household waste has been found at Callerton, near Newcastle Airport, and is now the subject of an Environment Agency investigation.

The Callerton site is one of three reported in recent weeks, alongside dumps at Peterlee and Hartlepool in County Durham. Environment Agency officers worked with landowners to shut down all three sites and put concrete blocks in place to block access.

Investigations are under way at each of the sites, all of which contain shredded household waste, and plans are being made with the landowners to clear it. The Environment Agency says it is stepping up action on waste crime through its new 10 Point Plan, which includes acting early to tackle illegal activity before it becomes established.

Mark Rumble, Environmental Crime Team Leader at the Environment Agency, said: "We've taken quick action to block access to these sites to prevent further dumping and investigations are underway. 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".

Minister for Circular Economy and Waste Crime Emma Hardy said the government was "shutting down the gangs running illegal waste sites, with a stepping up of enforcement action and more officers on the frontline", adding: "My message to the criminals involved in waste is clear: we are coming for you, and we will take your profits, and we will use them to clean up."

Illegally dumped waste poses a risk to communities and the environment, undermines businesses that dispose of waste responsibly and is costly for landowners, who can be liable for waste dumped on their land. Waste crime is estimated to cost the UK over £1 billion a year.

The Environment Agency is asking anyone with information about the three sites, or who sees suspicious activity such as unusual HGV movements onto disused or open land, to come forward. Reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the Environment Agency incident line on 0800 807060. Residents are also advised to check the public register of waste carriers before paying anyone to take waste away, and to keep a written record of where it is taken.