Unveiling the 2024-25 National Waste Crime Survey: Key Insights from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

The third National Waste Crime Survey is now open for three weeks. It aims to understand the extent and impact of waste crime across England.

The Environment Agency is inviting both industry professionals and the public to participate in this important survey. Your responses will help shape how we manage waste crime and improve safety practices.

Why should you take part? Your feedback is essential for tackling waste crime effectively. It will help the Environment Agency understand:

• The scale of waste crime in England
• Ways to deter such illegal activities
• How willing people are to report waste crimes
• The effectiveness of actions taken to reduce waste crimes

Insights from the survey play a vital role in determining the Environment Agency’s priorities. Thanks to previous surveys, the number of illegal waste sites dropped to 344 last year, the lowest ever recorded. This is significant, especially since waste crime costs the economy about £1 billion each year.

Steve Molyneux, Deputy Director of Waste and Resources Regulation at the Environment Agency, said:

About 18% of waste is managed illegally, which includes activities like illegal burning and mis-describing waste. These crimes harm our communities and the environment.

Our National Waste Crime Survey helps us gather information from those who have experienced these issues. I urge everyone affected to join in.

Your feedback enables us to target waste criminals more effectively and protect our community and economy.

Waste Minister Mary Creagh added:

Waste criminals harm both rural and urban areas. They profit by skirting the law, creating burdens for honest citizens through cleanup costs and community safety issues.

I encourage everyone to participate in the survey. Your input is invaluable in helping us combat waste crime and safeguard the environment.

The Environment Agency invites everyone to take part and to share the survey with others. It is open until February 23 and can be accessed online.