Waste Crime Crackdown 2026: Operation Unite’s Impact on Permitted Sites
In March, the Environment Agency escalated its national crackdown on waste crime with Operation Unite — an 18‑week campaign that set the tone for a tougher stance on illegal activity.
Since then, enforcement has been propelled even further into the national spotlight, particularly after Prime Minister Andy Burnham publicly condemned the Bolton House Road case. His comments, alongside the government’s zero‑tolerance position, have elevated waste crime enforcement to the highest levels of government, with legally permitted sites now experiencing far stricter scrutiny.
Stricter enforcement is now being backed directly by the Prime Minister’s Office, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and senior government ministers.
Recent actions include:
- 30+ criminal investigations
- multiple permit revocations
- arrests at the infamous Bolton House Road site in Wigan
- multi‑agency operations involving Greater Manchester, Lancashire and West Yorkshire Police
- public condemnation from Prime Minister Andy Burnham
- zero‑tolerance commitments from Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle
- government funding to clean up major illegal waste sites
This is not routine enforcement — it’s a coordinated national response.
Government Statements: Zero Tolerance, No Exceptions
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated:
“This is not fly tipping. This is organised crime… For too long, this issue has been ignored. But not on my watch.”
Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle reinforced:
“This government is taking a zero‑tolerance approach to waste crime… We are giving regulators the powers and resources they need.”
These statements signal:
- political priority
- long‑term enforcement commitment
- increased resources for the EA
- more inspections and more prosecutions
This is the strongest government backing the EA has had in years.
Read the full Environment Agency press release:
Environment Agency: Four men arrested for illegal waste dumping at infamous Wigan site
What Does the Recent Crackdown Mean for Operators of Permitted Sites?
The Environment Agency had already begun a much stricter, broad‑based enforcement drive, and Operation Unite — an 18‑week campaign — helped set the tone for a tougher stance on waste crime. Recent high‑profile government attention has pushed enforcement even further into the national spotlight. As a result, legally permitted sites are now facing far stricter scrutiny.
Key Areas the EA Is Now Focusing On
- Fire Prevention Plans
- Environmental management systems (EMS)
- Technical Competence (TCM/COTC)
- Record‑keeping and waste returns
- Permitted activities and authorised EWC codes
- Whether real‑world operations match the management plan
Compliance Insight for Sites:
Sites with outdated, incomplete or poorly implemented management systems are being treated as higher‑risk, and enforcement action is being taken where systems do not reflect real‑world operations.
Essential Actions for Operators
1. Review Your Fire Prevention Plan (FPP)
Ensure it reflects current stockpile sizes, separation distances and ignition controls.
2. Update Your Environmental Management System (EMS)
Check that procedures match actual site practices and staff training.
3. Verify Permitted Activities & EWC Codes
Incorrect or outdated EWC codes are now a major enforcement trigger.
Operators should confirm:
- permitted activities match real‑world operations
- all EWC codes are authorised
- no unauthorised waste types are being accepted
4. Check Technical Competence Requirements
Ensure TCM attendance is logged and competence certificates are current.
AC Environmental’s Permit Review Service
AC Environmental provides a permit review service to help operators:
- confirm permitted activities
- verify authorised EWC codes
- identify compliance gaps
- ensure management systems match real‑world operations
- prepare for EA inspections during this period of heightened enforcement
This service supports operators in strengthening compliance during a period of heightened enforcement.
Speak to Our Team
Would you like support reviewing your standard rules or bespoke permit?
It’s important to ensure that your site’s real-world operations stay compliant. If your site needs a permit review, FPP update, EMS refresh or wider compliance support, our team are ready to help.
Call 01782 308 444, email info@ac-environmental.co.uk, or request a permit check online.
