Story perspectives

PAC: Environment Agency Struggles with £1 Billion Waste Crisis

3/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) says the Environment Agency (EA) is ill-equipped to handle rising illegal waste dumping.
The PAC report cites over 8,000 illegal dumps and a £1 billion annual cost to taxpayers.
It highlights gaps in the EA's intelligence and coordination with local authorities.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the report is outdated and that reforms are strengthening the Environment Agency's waste-crime response.

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Story summary

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) says the Environment Agency (EA) is ill-equipped to handle rising illegal waste dumping.
The PAC report cites over 8,000 illegal dumps and a £1 billion annual cost to taxpayers.
It highlights gaps in the EA's intelligence and coordination with local authorities.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the report is outdated and that reforms are strengthening the Environment Agency's waste-crime response.