A major operation to clear an illegal waste site in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, is now underway, the Environment Agency has announced.
Contractor Acumen Waste Services Ltd is removing an estimated 21,000 tonnes of commercial and household waste — including tyres, shredded plastic, and household rubbish — from the site near the A34.
Specialist teams are shifting around 15 to 30 lorry loads of waste per day, in an operation expected to take approximately six months.
The waste was dumped by criminal gangs across 8,000 square metres of land — an area larger than the pitch at Wembley Stadium. The Environment Agency shut the site down in October 2025, after which no further tipping took place.
Commenting on the clean-up, Cllr Liz Leffman, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: ‘It is a relief to everyone to see work begin in earnest to get this eyesore removed. A huge amount of planning and preparation has taken place between all agencies after action was taken to secure the site in late 2025.’
Four people have already been arrested in connection with the illegal dumping, and the criminal investigation is ongoing.
Anna Burns, Environment Agency area director for Thames, said: ‘Today marks a major step in clearing the Kidlington site and restoring the area for local people.
‘We are working to remove this waste as quickly as possible while continuing our investigation to bring those responsible to justice. Waste criminals should be in no doubt - this type of crime will not go unpunished.’
