A new national conference will take place online on 19th March to address the growing issue of waste crime. Recent government data shows that fly-tipping incidents in England have reached their highest level since records began.
The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Waste Crime Conference, supported by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), aims to inform environmental health professionals about the key challenges local authorities face in combating waste crime.
With high-profile cases of illegal dumping and large-scale fly-tipping in the news recently, the conference will examine the severity of the problem, its impact on communities, and how these trends will influence the work of environmental health teams in the future.
The half-day event will open with a keynote address by Phil Davies, Head of the Joint Unit for Waste Crime at the Environment Agency. Phil will discuss current illegal dumping practices and provide an update on emerging trends and challenges in addressing this growing threat.
Following the keynote, Richard Hudson from CIWM will deliver a talk titled Waste Crime at a Crossroads: The Current Landscape and Frontline Challenges.
A panel session will explore how local authorities can collaborate to manage expectations, improve public understanding, and enhance their responses to waste crime. Speakers will include Dr Anna Scott, Director of Services at Keep Britain Tidy; Ayeisha Kirkham, Head of Service at South Kesteven District Council; and Philippa Arnold from the National Farmers Union (NFU).
The second half of the conference will focus on real-world case studies, starting with a session led by Chris McAvoy, Head of Enforcement and Community Safety at the London Borough of Havering, on targeting waste crime through vehicle seizures.
The event will conclude with a talk on waste crime sentencing in practice from Victoria Molley, Solicitor Advocate – Prosecutions at South Tyneside Council, followed by Ayeisha Kirkham returning for a session on rural waste crime.
Nikki Pearson, Head of Membership Services at CIEH, stated: “Waste crime is an evolving challenge for local authorities, communities, and the environment. We are pleased to bring together experts from across the sector to highlight the realities on the ground and provide valuable insights that will help environmental health professionals strengthen their responses and protect the communities they serve.”
The CIEH Waste Crime Conference 2026 will be held on Thursday, 19th March, and is open to both CIEH members and non-members. For more information and to book a place, click HERE
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