Waste Crime - Key Legal Issues, Enforcement & Recent Developments

Introduction

Waste crime is increasingly under scrutiny, with the scale and impact of illegal waste activity highlighted by the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee’s inquiry in September 2025. For lawyers advising landowners, waste and resource businesses, regulators and other affected parties, understanding the legal and regulatory response to waste crime is becoming increasingly important.

This new virtual classroom seminar will provide a practical overview of the key legal issues arising from large-scale and organised waste crime. It will examine the different forms of waste crime, including fly-tipping, large-scale illegal dumping and landfill tax fraud, as well as the responsibilities of those involved and the powers available to regulators.

The session will consider recent developments in legislation, enforcement and sentencing, together with the use of Restriction Notices and Restriction Orders. It will also examine the Environment Agency’s and Government’s respective 10 Point Waste Action Plans and what these developments mean for lawyers advising clients affected by waste crime or facing regulatory action.

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive session will cover the following:

• The key findings of the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee inquiry and their implications for practitioners
• The different types of waste crime and the legal issues they raise
• The scale of organised waste crime and the parties who may be held responsible
• The legal position of landowners affected by illegal waste activity
• The regulatory framework and powers available to the Environment Agency and local authorities
• Enforcement action, including Restriction Notices and Restriction Orders
• Recent developments in legislation, enforcement and sentencing
• The Environment Agency’s 10 Point Waste Action Plan and its practical implications
• The Government’s 10 Point Waste Action Plan and key developments for practitioners
• Practical considerations for lawyers advising clients affected by, or facing allegations of, waste crime

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.