What was Thomas Reilly fined for?

Thomas Reilly, a British man, was fined nearly £40,000 for illegally disposing of more than 198 tons of waste over a 7-year period.

Why is illegal waste dumping a growing global issue?

Environmental crime, including illegal dumping, is the fourth largest criminal activity globally and is estimated to be growing at a rate of about 7% per year due to factors like the increase in illegal plastic waste trade, inadequate infrastructure, and high landfill taxes.

Home / Environment / UK Man Fined £40,000 for 7 Years of Illegal Waste Dumping

UK Man Fined £40,000 for 7 Years of Illegal Waste Dumping

Q: How did the illegal waste dumping site impact the environment?

The illegal dumping site lacked proper environmental infrastructure, such as impermeable liners, gas extraction, and drainage controls, which can lead to serious damage to soil, air, and water health.

18 Nov

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Summary

British man fined nearly £40,000 for illegally dumping over 198 tons of waste
Illegal dumping site lacked proper environmental infrastructure, causing damage
Environmental crime growing globally at 7% per year, costing taxpayers millions

UK Man Fined £40,000 for 7 Years of Illegal Waste Dumping

On November 18, 2025, it was reported that a British man named Thomas Reilly has been fined nearly £40,000 (around $52,600) for illegally disposing of more than 198 tons of waste over a 7-year period. Reilly has pleaded guilty to the offenses.

During the investigation, aerial images revealed the extent of the illegal waste dumping, which included trash bags, bricks, concrete, wooden fences, shed paneling, and green waste. Experts stated that the dumping site lacked proper environmental infrastructure, such as impermeable liners, gas extraction, and drainage controls, which are typically present in legal dumping sites. The lack of these critical protection systems can lead to serious damage to soil, air, and water health.

The spokesperson for the Environment Agency emphasized that this successful prosecution sends a clear message that they will not tolerate illegal waste operations that put the environment and communities at risk. Environmental crime, including illegal dumping, is the fourth largest criminal activity globally and is estimated to be growing at a rate of about 7% per year.