Why does the Environment Agency pay landfill tax on illegal dumps?

The agency pays landfill tax as part of the cost of clearing illegal waste sites, a policy criticized for hindering cleanup efforts.

How do criminals profit from illegal waste dumping in the UK?

Criminals exploit the landfill tax system, pocketing the tax money by illegally dumping waste instead of paying it to the government.

What impact do illegal waste dumps have on communities in Wigan?

Illegal dumps in Wigan cause environmental hazards like rat infestations, air pollution, and strong odors, affecting residents and children near schools.

Home / Environment / UK Agency Pays Tax on Waste It Clears

UK Agency Pays Tax on Waste It Clears

6 Dec

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Summary

Environment Agency pays millions in landfill tax for clearing illegal dumps.
A Wigan MP highlights a criminal dump near a primary school.
Criminals profit £2,500 per lorry by pocketing landfill tax.

A perplexing policy requires the Environment Agency (EA) to pay millions in landfill tax on waste it removes from illegal dump sites. This financial burden is seen as a significant deterrent to tackling thousands of hazardous waste sites nationwide. For instance, the cleanup of Hoad's Wood in Kent will incur £4m in landfill tax, part of a £15m total bill.

In Wigan, a Member of Parliament has raised concerns about a massive criminal dump near a primary school, which the EA has yet to clear. Despite ongoing criminal investigations and notices issued, the waste remains, causing severe environmental and public health issues, including infestations and air pollution. This situation highlights the agency's reluctance to act due to cleanup costs, which include the contentious landfill tax.

Organized crime groups are reportedly profiting substantially from waste crime by exploiting the landfill tax system. They can earn up to £2,500 per lorryload by illegally dumping waste and pocketing the tax. This broken system, characterized by a lack of transparency and accountability, allows criminals to thrive while communities suffer from environmental degradation and health risks.