The Environment Agency is investigating a series of incidents of waste being dumped in laybys that could be linked to “organised crime”.
Over the past few weeks, shredded and baled waste has been dumped in dual carriageways in laybys across Derby and Nottingham.
The Environment Agency said the trailers could hold 100 cubic metres, or 24 tonnes, of waste – some of the trailers had their tops cut off to make them easier to fill.
The trailers, which ranged in design and included old refrigerated units and rigid ambient units, contained loose shredded waste and baled waste.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said the incidents could be orchestrated by an organised crime group.
“At present, the origin of the waste is unknown and the Environment Agency is investigating to identify the site or sites and those responsible,” the spokesperson said.
Four incidents have occurred on the A50 near HMP Foston, and one between Sudbury and Doveridge, south-west of Derby.
Two others have occurred on opposite carriageways on the A38, north of Burton-upon-Trent, and one on the southbound carriageway of the A38 at Stretton, Burton-upon-Trent.
There have also been two on the northbound A453 near Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station, south of Nottingham.
