Fourth arrest made in Kidlington illegal waste dumping investigation
The Environment Agency’s National Environmental Crime Unit is leading the investigation.
A fourth arrest has been made as the Environment Agency continues its investigation into illegal waste dumping at a site in Kidlington.
The Environment Agency announced today (3rd February 2026) that a 52-year-old man from Ashford, Surrey, was arrested yesterday in connection with the large-scale dumping of waste.
This latest arrest follows two arrests made last week and another arrest in November 2025, as investigators seek to identify those responsible for the offences and hold them to account.
The Environment Agency’s National Environmental Crime Unit is leading the investigation, supported by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit.
Emma Viner, Enforcement and Investigations Manager at the Environment Agency’s National Environmental Crime Unit, said:
“The horrific dumping at Kidlington was a deliberate and organised act with no regard for the impact on the environment or communities.
“Our teams continue to work tirelessly with the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit on this investigation. This further arrest will be key in collecting new evidence and delivering justice for local residents.”
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds also commented:
“The illegal dumping at Kidlington was completely and utterly unacceptable, causing significant harm to the environment and distress to the community.
“This most recent arrest is an important step toward justice, and we will continue to pursue all waste criminals until this illegal behaviour is stamped out.
“We're strengthening our fight against waste crime by increasing enforcement funding, deploying more officers, and imposing tougher checks and penalties for offenders."
The individual arrested has been released on conditional bail while further investigations take place.
The illegal dumping of waste was first reported at the Kidlington site on 2nd July 2025. Environment Agency officers visited the site within the same day and issued a cease-and-desist letter after a July site inspection showed continued waste deposits.
Despite these measures, officers discovered ongoing criminal activity in October 2025, prompting the Environment Agency to secure a court order on 23rd October 2025 to close the site. Since then, no further tipping has occurred.
In December, the Environment Agency announced that plans to clear up the site had begun, with Acumen Waste Services Ltd contracted to handle waste removal activities, which are expected to start at the end of February 2026.