The Environment Agency has revealed a new watchlist identifying nearly 30 suspected illegal waste “super sites” across England, highlighting growing concerns over large-scale environmental dumping.

According to the newly published list, 117 sites have been classified as “high priority,” including 28 massive waste locations containing more than 20,000 tonnes of rubbish each.
The largest known site is located in Northwich, where approximately 281,000 tonnes of contaminated soil have reportedly accumulated. The location was among several sites highlighted earlier this year during a BBC investigation into illegal waste dumping.

The Environment Agency stated that around 700 illegal waste sites are believed to exist across England overall, but the published watchlist focuses specifically on locations considered the highest priority due to environmental and public health risks.

Officials said the aim of releasing the list is to improve transparency and allow local communities to see where enforcement and cleanup efforts are being concentrated.

Among the highlighted locations are waste sites currently undergoing cleanup operations at Hoads Wood and Kidlington.

Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that illegal waste dumping can contaminate soil and water, increase fire risks, and expose nearby communities to hazardous materials.

The growing number of large-scale waste sites has also raised questions about waste management enforcement, organized environmental crime, and the resources available to tackle illegal dumping across the country.

The publication of the watchlist marks one of the most detailed public disclosures yet regarding the scale of illegal waste operations in England.