Man arrested after authorities seize vehicle linked to illegal waste dumping scheme: 'Will not be tolerated'

A man was arrested in Liverpool in February for suspected illegal dumping activity.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Merseyside Police joined with the Joint Unit for Waste Crime to arrest a man and seize a heavy goods vehicle as part of an investigation into waste left around the city.

"We've taken immediate action following suspected illegal waste activity in Liverpool," Jennifer Brittlebank, area environment manager for the Environment Agency, told the Echo. "We share the public's disgust with illegal dumping and the significant harm it causes to the environment and communities."

In the same week, local leaders discovered 30,000 tons of waste dumped in the area. However, the arrest appeared to be unrelated.

"Waste crime will not be tolerated and we continue to work tirelessly with our partners to take action against those suspected of being involved," Brittlebank said.

Illegal dumping, or fly-tipping as it is known in England, is a pervasive problem. In the United States alone, over 1.5 million tons of illegal waste is dumped each year, according to data shared by BigRentz.

Removing illegal waste can put a financial burden on local municipalities, and that cost often gets passed on to taxpayers. Illegal waste can also pollute waters, disrupt wildlife, and contribute to worsening wildfires.

Officials in the United Kingdom are cracking down on illegal dumping. For example, a man was arrested in Hertfordshire for leaving illegal waste on school grounds. In Northern Ireland, a man was fined around $135,800 for illegal dumping on his property.

According to Phil Davies, manager of the Joint Unit for Waste Crime, officials will continue working to apprehend suspects of illegal dumping and prevent further incidents.

In the U.K., officials are using drones to map any changes in topography that could point to illegal waste dumps. The U.K. Environment Agency has specialists working to monitor the environmental impact of waste and respond quickly to new investigations.

"We continue to work hard to protect communities and the environment, and we would encourage people to report incidents of waste crime and information about those who are responsible," Davies said.

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