New Government rules could see waste criminals face punishments of up to 20 hours of unpaid work to deter them from illegal dumping.

As part of the Waste Crime Action Plan, the Government and the Environment Agency (EA) are to increase enforcement measures against unlawful waste dumping, supporting a ‘zero-tolerance approach’ to environmental crime.

The scheme is backed by a £45m Government investment across the next three years, as well as direct funding for the clean-up of some of England’s most severe cases of waste sites.

It will include early intervention from the EA on larger sites and see that restriction notices are made greater use of, with illegal waste operators risking up to 51 weeks imprisonment if notices are ignored.

In addition to the 20 hours of unpaid work to be carried out by ‘clean-up squads’, which will consist of those who have committed waste crimes, the offenders are also expected to be charged for the clearance costs of illegal waste sites.

Furthermore, the Government has confirmed its plans to implement a Landfill Tax rebate for councils, reducing the financial burden on local authorities that participate in the clearance of sites.

Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Emma Reynolds said: ‘Waste criminals have been damaging our communities, countryside, environment and economy for too long. This Action Plan sends a clear message: dump illegally and you will face the full consequences.’

She added that enforcement officers will be equipped with new ‘police-style powers’ that enable them to hold offenders accountable.

Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, Philip Duffy, said: ‘We will?act earlier,?faster?and?smarter?by shutting down illegal sites before they become established, using our powers decisively to strip rogue operators of their permits, and working with police, HMRC and councils to go after criminal assets.’