'Waste criminals' target rural landowners

Almost a third of agricultural businesses and rural land owners across the North East, Yorkshire and Humber have had illegal waste dumped on their land in the last three years, according to new research commissioned by 'right Waste, right Place'.

The research follows a warning from the Environment Agency for landowners not to be duped into storing waste after a spate of incidents across the region.

Just last month, waste criminals dumped 600 bales of general waste on private land in Tow Law, County Durham.

Businesses, particularly those in rural areas, are targeted by criminals looking to dispose of waste illegally by dumping it in warehouses, mills and open spaces. These criminals can be persuasive, convincing landowners to give them access to property, which they then fill with waste and abandon, leaving the landowner with an expensive clearance bill.

According to the research, more than half of those in the North East, Yorkshire and Humber who have been affected by fly-tipping in the last three years disposed of the waste themselves. Just 16 percent called the police.

Waste stored inappropriately can create issues for neighbours through smells and pests. It can also have a detrimental effect on the environment and impact on rivers and streams. There is a high risk of waste fires due to the waste not being stored in the correct manner.

The Environment Agency is working with landowners, the fire service, local councils and the police to ensure the waste is removed safely, minimising the risk of fire and impact on people, and helping to bring the culprits to justice.