The UK government is considering granting enforcement officers of the Environment Agency (EA) police-style powers to strengthen the crackdown on waste crime, including fly-tipping and illegal dumping, ministers announced ahead of the upcoming Waste Crime Action Plan.
Under the proposals, EA officials could be authorised to search premises without a warrant, seize assets and arrest suspects linked to illegal waste activities. The measures aim to target organised criminal networks profiting from unlawful waste disposal.
