Durham Police and the Environment Agency are warning landowners to be vigilant after a significant illegal waste site was discovered on private land in County Durham last week (10 February 2017).

More than 600 bales of general household waste were found dumped on the premises of a former foundry in Tow Law.

Officers from Durham Police and the Environment Agency attended the scene after they were alerted to the activities taking place at the site.

This is the latest in a recent spate of illegal waste dumping across the region. The Environment Agency currently has three ongoing investigations relating to eight sites where baled waste has been dumped over the last six months.

Environmental laws state that waste producers, brokers, road hauliers and landowners each have a responsibility to ensure waste is dealt with legally and correctly for the protection of the environment and communities. The Environment Agency will seek to take action against all parties responsible for this illegal activity.

Dave Edwardson, Enforcement Team Leader at the Environment Agency in the North East, said:

Landowners can be vulnerable. Waste dumped in vacant buildings or land may leave landowners with the responsibility and costs of disposing of the waste, which can be considerable.

We’re determined to tackle waste crime such as this; waste that isn’t managed properly can impact on communities, the environment and legitimate businesses and won’t be tolerated.

I’d urge all landowners, farmers and property agents to be vigilant and report any concerns or anything suspicious to us straight away.

Waste producers and road hauliers must ensure they adhere to their Duty of Care when they are managing waste. They can contact the Environment Agency if they need any advice or information.

Anyone with information about those responsible for this or similar incidents is asked to contact the Environment Agency’s 24-hour Incident Hotline on 0800 807060, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.