Key facts
- Over 22,000 tonnes of commercial and household waste have been removed from an illegal dump site in Kidlington, Oxfordshire.
- The site, located near the A34 and River Cherwell, was larger than a pitch at Wembley Stadium.
- The illegal dump was shut down by the Environment Agency in October 2025.
- Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the illegal dumping.
- Concrete blocks have been installed at the site's entrance to prevent future access.
- The clean-up operation is part of a government initiative to combat waste crime.
An extensive clean-up operation has fully cleared a notorious illegal waste dump site near Kidlington, Oxfordshire, removing an estimated 22,105 tonnes of commercial and household waste. The site, which was larger than a football pitch and located between the A34 and the River Cherwell, was shut down by the Environment Agency in October 2025 after criminals were found to have dumped waste there.
The operation, which saw around 30 lorry loads of waste removed daily, has now concluded with the placement of concrete blocks at the entrance to prevent future access. This effort is part of a broader government crackdown on waste crime, aimed at dismantling organised criminal gangs operating illegal waste sites.
Environment Secretary Angela Eagle stated that communities deserve to be free from illegal dumping and that this clean-up demonstrates decisive action. She emphasized the use of more frontline officers and drones to catch offenders. Philip Duffy, chief executive of the Environment Agency, expressed satisfaction with the completion of the clearance and noted that arrests have been made as part of the ongoing investigation into those responsible.
During 'Operation Unite', the Environment Agency revoked or suspended 17 permits, with further operations planned. The government is also committed to cleaning up other significant illegal waste sites, including locations in Wigan and Bradford. New powers are being introduced to increase fines for illegal dumping, with the potential for prosecution and imprisonment for serious offenses. The agency also aims to confiscate assets gained from waste crime.