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Drones Reveal Massive Illegal Landfills Across UK
23 Jan
Summary
- Over 700 illegal waste sites were identified, with 517 still active.
- Organized crime gangs profit by undercharging for waste disposal.
- Waste is polluting rivers and causing health concerns for residents.
A BBC investigation has uncovered the staggering scale of illegal waste dumping across England, with over 700 illegal sites identified and 517 still active as of late 2025. At least 11 of these are considered 'super sites,' each holding tens of thousands of tonnes of rubbish.
Organized crime gangs are heavily involved, making substantial profits by charging significantly less than legitimate waste disposal services. They often use rural locations, sometimes equipped with shredding machinery, to process waste before burying it or accumulating it in large dumps.
Communities near these sites, such as in Over, Gloucestershire, are suffering from severe environmental impacts. Residents report issues with road safety, noise, pollution, and smoke from fires. Concerns are also raised about waste leaching into local watercourses, including the River Leadon.
