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DEFRA··ReleaseWaste
Environment Secretary launches crackdown group to seize assets from waste crime gangs
Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle launched the Waste Crime Crackdown Group on 4 November 2026 to get police, regulators, mayors and local authorities working together against organised illegal dumping. The Environment Agency says more than 30 arrests have been made since April, and it will get new powers to seize cash, cars and other assets bought with the proceeds of waste crime. The government already fines illegal dumpers up to £5,000.
Our readThe new asset seizure powers are the sharpest change here, since they move enforcement from fines that organised operators can absorb to taking the vehicles and property the waste crime actually pays for.
Read the announcement at DEFRA →
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