Couple illegally stored waste including animal blood at site near Callington
Roger and Angela Smith, who run run R & A Cleansing, near Callington must repay £600,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act
Last updated 5th Feb 2026
A Cornwall-based couple operating a liquid waste collection business have been ordered to repay £600,000 after illegally storing and disposing of waste, including animal blood and sewage sludge.
Roger and Angela Smith, who operate R & A Cleansing Services from Ashwell Farm, Coads Green, Callington, appeared at Truro Crown Court on 30th January 2026 and pleaded guilty to the offences.
The court sentenced both defendants to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years concurrent on each charge, and told them to remediate the site within 18 months.
The couple must now repay £600,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act, as well as costs of £10,000.
The Environment Agency initiated legal action after receiving an anonymous report in February 2023 regarding unlawful practices at the site.
Angela Smith claimed waste was stored in underground tanks and no waste was disposed of on site, but agency officers discovered two heavily polluted water pools, tanker pipes, a pile of mixed domestic and building waste as well as evidence of the burning of waste.
According to the agency’s findings, some waste was discharged directly into a field to the south of the site.
The Smiths were told to cease immediately storing and disposing of waste on site.
Waste Transfer Notes (WTNs) indicated the various wastes collected by the defendants included effluent treatments, animal tissue waste including blood, and septic tank sludge.
Though registered waste carriers, R & A Cleansing lacked necessary permits or waste exemptions for waste storage, treatment, or disposal at the site.
The Environment Agency say in March 2023, a notice was served on the defendants requiring documentation relating to the purchase, installation or integrity of the underground storage tanks and none was forthcoming.
Sally Turberville, enforcement officer at the Environment Agency said:
“Waste criminals should be aware how seriously we take their offending, including the financial benefit they obtain from their illegal activities.
“It was very concerning that large quantities of untreated mixed liquid wastes were stored illegally in unserviceable underground tanks and open pits.
“Waste was discharged straight onto the agricultural ground owned by the defendants and after more than 25 years in the waste collection business, they should have been fully aware of the regulations. As the business grew, there was no investment in appropriate equipment or infrastructure, no application made for an environmental permit.”
“If anyone suspects that waste crime is taking place in your community, contact the Environment Agency’s 24/7 hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”