Liverpool Waste Investigation: Second Arrest, HGV and Excavator Seized

Environment Agency Latest News

Filed March 13th, 2026

Detected March 14th, 2026

Summary

The Environment Agency, Joint Unit for Waste Crime, and Merseyside Police have made a second arrest in an investigation into suspected illegal waste dumping in Liverpool. An HGV and an excavator have been seized as part of the ongoing operation.

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What changed

The Environment Agency, in conjunction with the Joint Unit for Waste Crime (JUWC) and Merseyside Police, has announced a second arrest in an ongoing investigation into suspected illegal waste dumping in Liverpool. A 45-year-old man was arrested on March 11, 2026, on suspicion of operating an illegal waste site. This follows an earlier arrest on February 2, 2026, where another individual was detained, and an HGV was seized. An excavator has also been confiscated as part of the investigation.

This enforcement action highlights the authorities' commitment to tackling waste crime, supported by new surveillance measures including a drone squad and a reinforced JUWC. Regulated entities involved in waste management should be aware of increased scrutiny and enforcement activities. While no specific compliance deadlines are mentioned for the general public, individuals with information are encouraged to report it to the Environment Agency or Crimestoppers. Non-compliance with waste regulations can lead to legal consequences and accountability.

What to do next

Review waste disposal and site operation permits for compliance.
Report any suspected illegal waste dumping activities to the Environment Agency.
Ensure all waste transportation and disposal records are accurate and accessible.

Source document (simplified)

Press release

Second arrest made as Liverpool waste investigation continues

A second arrest has been made as an investigation into suspected illegal waste dumping in Liverpool continues.

From: Environment Agency Published 13 March 2026

Image from the original operation, which took place on 2 February.

A 45-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday 11 March on suspicion of operating an illegal waste site in the south of the city.

It follows a joint operation involving the Environment Agency, Joint Unit for Waste Crime (JUWC) and Merseyside Police that took place on Monday 2 February at the suspected illegal site, where another 45-year-old man was arrested and an HGV seized.

An excavator has also recently been seized as part of the investigation.

Jennifer Brittlebank, Area Environment Manager for the Environment Agency, said:

We’ve made significant progress as our investigation into illegal waste activity in Liverpool continues.

We have immense sympathy with local communities affected by waste crime and the impact this has on them.

Where we find evidence of illegal activity, we will do everything within our powers to ensure the people responsible are held accountable and face legal consequences.

The public plays a vital role in helping us tackle waste crime and we’d encourage anyone who has information to contact us.
The arrest comes after the Environment Agency announced a new package of surveillance and investigative measures to tackle waste crime.

It includes an enhanced 33-strong drone squad to track down illegal dumps from the air and a reinforced JUWC - now a 20-strong group of specialists working closely with law enforcement partners to dismantle organised criminal networks.

This builds on a record year for waste enforcement, with 751 illegal waste sites shut down.

Phil Davies, JUWC manager, added:

The investigation is a great example of partners working together to share information and resources in the ongoing fight against waste crime.

Through the greater use of specialist capabilities, stronger partnerships and more officers on the ground, we will build on our action so far and send a clear message to those committing waste crimes - we will stop you.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information should report it to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.