Home / Crime and Justice / Waste King' Ordered to Pay £1.4M for Illegal Dumping
Waste King' Ordered to Pay £1.4M for Illegal Dumping
19 Feb
Summary
- A waste broker must pay £1.4m for illegally dumping 4,275 tonnes of waste.
- Illegal waste was dumped at 16 sites, including farms and a nature reserve.
- The government called the offender a 'prolific waste criminal'.
A significant waste crime case has resulted in Varun Datta, identified as a "prolific waste criminal," being ordered to pay £1.4 million. This financial penalty covers the benefit from his offending, prosecution costs, and compensation. Datta, a registered waste broker since 2015, diverted around 4,275 tonnes of waste away from proper disposal sites.
The illegal dumping occurred across 16 diverse locations in England, from the North East to the South East. These sites included farms, a historic manor house, and a nature reserve. Datta pleaded guilty in June 2025 to knowingly causing controlled waste to be deposited at these unregistered locations.
During the sentencing hearing last Friday at Birmingham Crown Court, Judge Paul Farrar KC highlighted the reckless nature of the offenses. The court ordered Datta to repay £1.1m in financial benefits, £100,000 in compensation, and £200,000 in prosecution costs. He received a suspended prison sentence, rehabilitation, and community service.
The government has vowed to intensify efforts against waste crime, with Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds stating a commitment to tougher checks and penalties. The Environment Agency's investigation successfully uncovered the network, underscoring their dedication to combating environmental damage caused by illegal waste disposal.
