Two arrested after 20 tonnes of waste illegally dumped in Newcastle-under-Lyme
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Last updated 7th Nov 2025
A police investigation is underway after around 20 tonnes of waste was illegally dumped at an industrial estate near a residential area in Talke last week.
The waste was deposited by a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) which arrived at Imperial Works, Coalpit Hill, on Wednesday, 29 October.
Officers later confirmed that the vehicle had been reported stolen.
Two days later, on Friday, 31 October, the same HGV was spotted in the area again, reportedly attempting to dump another 20 tonnes of waste.
Officers attended the scene and stopped the vehicle, arresting two people a short time later.
A 43-year-old man from Kent was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and depositing controlled waste without an environmental permit. He has been released on police bail while inquiries continue.
A 19-year-old woman with no fixed address was also arrested on suspicion of the same offence but has since been released with no further action.
The investigation is being led by Staffordshire Police, in collaboration with the Environment Agency, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, and Staffordshire County Council.
"flouting of the law"
Inspector Joel Hurst, of Newcastle Local Policing Team, said:
“This was a brazen flouting of the law which protects our environment from the harm that fly-tipping causes to our local communities.
"We are committed to doing all we can to prevent the illegal depositing of waste, working with our partners and the local community to protect them from the impact of fly-tipping.”
Neil Burgess, Environmental Crime Team Leader at the Environment Agency, added:
“Environmental permits are in place to protect the public and environment, and illegal waste dumping such as this impacts on local communities.
We are determined to tackle waste crime that is blighting our communities and will continue to work with our partners to take action against those suspected of being involved.”
David Hutchison, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Sustainable Environment, praised the multi-agency effort:
“We have been aware of the situation at a private commercial property in Talke, and it’s pleasing to see good cooperation over the issue between the different agencies involved.”
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.