The Agency’s work involves the detection and prevention of environmental crime. This is predominately waste and fisheries crime. People who handle waste illegally do not invest in appropriate safeguards and can dispose of waste more cheaply than legitimate waste contractors. They undercut legitimate business, reduce tax receipts and pose a direct threat to sustainable growth in the waste sector.
The main types of waste crime we deal with are:
- Illegal waste sites (waste sites operating without a Permit from the Environment Agency)
- Large-scale illegal dumping of waste
- Illegal export of waste
The Environment Agency undertakes own investigations into those who attempt to mask their criminality and money laundering through the waste business; whilst working closely in additional joint investigations with a number of external law enforcement agencies and bodies.
