Oxfordshire's notorious illegal waste site cleared after major operation
Over 22,000 tonnes of waste has been removed from the site near Kidlington
A notorious illegal waste site near Kidlington, Oxfordshire, has been fully cleared following a five-month government-led operation.
Located by the River Cherwell, the site was shut down by officers in October 2025 after criminals dumped large amounts of waste.
The area, which was larger than a football pitch at Wembley Stadium, caused ongoing concerns for local residents.
The Environment Agency has not announced that this clean-up operation successfully removed around 22,105 tonnes of waste, including tyres, shredded plastic, and household rubbish.
The entrance to the site is now secured with concrete blocks and a padlocked main gate to prevent any access.
The government, alongside the Environment Agency, is intensifying efforts against waste crime, targeting organised criminal gangs responsible for illegal waste sites.
Plans include cleaning up five more serious sites nationwide, among them areas on Bolton House Road in Wigan and Midland Road in Bradford.
Measures to deter illegal dumping include the use of drones, involvement of local authorities, increased EA officers, and enhanced fines.
A new Waste Crime Crackdown Group will coordinate efforts between regulators and law enforcement.
Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle, who is chair of the group, said: "Communities deserve to be free from the blight of illegal waste dumping, and this clean-up shows we will bring hope back to local residents."
The Environment Agency has already made arrests and is continuing its criminal investigation into the illegal activities at the site.
Philip Duffy, chief executive of the Environment Agency, said: “We are very pleased that the clearance of this site has now been completed, and the EA has made a number of arrests as we pursue those responsible for this abhorrent offending."
The government's crackdown includes increased fines, now up to £5,000, for those who dump waste illegally.
Through the Environment Agency's 10 Point Plan on Waste Crime, there will be earlier interventions and more consistent enforcement at illegal sites.
Water quality checks at Kidlington have revealed no significant impact on the local environment.
The Environment Agency is urging anyone with information that may assist the Kidlington investigation to get in touch.