The Environment Agency has launched the third National Waste Crime Survey, which is open to industry and the public across England for three weeks.
The National Waste Crime Survey (NWCS) was launched to better understand waste crime in England.
The Environment Agency says it uses the insight that industry and the public provide through the survey to:
- Measure the perceived scale and impact of waste crime in England.
- Understand deterrents that could prevent people from committing waste crimes.
- Gauge public and industry willingness to report waste crimes.
- Assess the effectiveness of action taken by us and our partners to reduce waste crime.
The Environment Agency says the survey responses will shape its strategic priorities and it “has never been more important” to gather more information on waste crime.
Steve Molyneux, Deputy Director of Waste and Resources Regulation at the Environment Agency, commented: “Our National Waste Crime Survey is crucial for understanding the scale of these crimes and gathering insights from those directly affected. I encourage everyone impacted by waste crime to take part.
“Your insight will enable us to continue to target waste criminals, stopping them from impacting our environment, communities, the legitimate waste management industry, and the economy.”
The NWCS survey is open for three weeks from 3 February 2025 and can be accessed online.
Reacting to the survey’s launch, Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said: “Waste criminals are a scourge on society, affecting rural and urban communities equally.
“They make huge profits at the expense of the law-abiding majority, by not paying tax – not to mention the costs of cleaning up after them and making people feel unsafe in their neighbourhoods.
“I urge people to take part in the Environment Agency’s survey to help us crack down on waste criminals and protect the environment.”
