News Round-Up: Waste Crime, Policy Reform & Local Enforcement (Aug 2025)

At L&S, we keep a close eye on developments across the waste and recycling sector, especially those that impact our clients, communities, and the environment. From Hampshire law enforcement waste operations to landfill tax reform, here’s a round-up of the most important stories over the past few weeks, along with our perspective on what they mean for your business.

Waste Operation “Wolf” Strengthens Hampshire Enforcement

The Environment Agency reports on Operation Wolf, a multi-agency waste crime initiative across Hampshire and West Sussex. In a recent outing, 67 vehicles were checked, resulting in 11 carriers being instructed to register and one vehicle cited for hazardous waste disposal without documentation. The effort demonstrates improved waste compliance and enforcement in the region.

Environment Agency Blog

L&S Insight

We applaud coordinated efforts like this, together, we’re making fly tipping and illicit dumping increasingly untenable.

Hampshire Man Prosecuted for Dumping Commercial Waste

A complex cross-county investigation ended in a successful prosecution of a man from Farnborough who was caught dumping commercial waste into Redbridge residents’ bins. Once video evidence surfaced, the trail led back to him, resulting in a total fine and costs of £2,195.

Redbridge Council

L&S Insight

This case highlights that accountability reaches far beyond where waste is dumped and why using licensed carriers with transfer notes is non-negotiable.

Photo: Redbridge Council

Environment Agency Implements Fee Increases

The Environment Agency has confirmed that nearly all proposed regulatory fee increases, spanning environmental permits, waste carrier licences, and international waste shipment charges, will take effect from 1 October 2025. Some sectors, like RDF exports, raised concerns about the sudden implementation.

letsrecycle.com

L&S Insight

These regulatory hikes reinforce the value of working with compliant, reliable waste management partners who navigate permitting and cost changes effectively.

Landfill Tax Reform Concerns Amplify

The post-consultation climate around landfill tax reform is heating up:

FCC Environment warns the overhaul could increase landfill costs from £4,000 to £126,000 per 1,000 tonnes, potentially making major infrastructure projects unviable.

FCC Environment

The Mineral Products Association (MPA) warns reforms—especially scrapping the quarry exemption—could result in materials shortages and dramatically hike housing and construction costs.

envirotecmagazine.com

The Local Government Association (LGA) urges a slower, phased approach or an intermediate rate to avoid unintended consequences, like increased fly tipping and budget strain.

Local Government Association

L&S Insight

Thoughtful reform is welcome but sudden shifts threaten to undermine sustainability and compliance. We advocate for a gradual transition with protected pathways for construction and quarrying sectors.

Rising Fly‑Tipping Across Portsmouth

Local data reveals Portsmouth experienced a 45% surge in fly‑tipping, totalling 1,092 incidents in the year to March 2024, but fewer than 20 fixed penalties were issued.

easthants.gov.uk

L&S Insight

Enforcement is failing to match fly-tipping rates. Licensed alternatives and community vigilance remain critical, L&S offers solutions tailored to local, compliant waste removal needs.

Final Thoughts

From increased enforcement across Hampshire and West Sussex to the financial uncertainty surrounding landfill tax reform, it’s clear the waste sector is undergoing significant change. Local fly-tipping rates, (particularly in Portsmouth), remain a major concern, while rising compliance fees and evolving regulations are putting pressure on construction, demolition, and commercial waste operators alike.

At L&S Waste Management, we continue to offer fully licensed, reliable, and transparent waste solutions across the South Coast, helping our clients stay compliant, control costs, and protect their reputation. Whether you need skip hire, muckaway, commercial waste services or support navigating regulatory change, we’re here to keep your site moving and your waste handled the right way.