The Environment Agency (EA) has recruited human pilots to operate 33 drones equipped with laser mapping to locate and identify sites of illegally-dumped construction waste
A new fleet of drone operators will utilise enhanced Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) capabilities as well as new digital screening tools and additional specialist investigators to crackdown on flytipping. The joint Unit for Waste Crime will also be expanded to 20 specialists from the current 13.
The rollout will capture more evidence of illegal dumping, with the joint Unit for Waste Crime expanding from 13 to 20 specialists.
Laser-mapping will help better identify sites of construction waste crime
LiDAR fires millions of laser points at the ground in seconds, creating more detailed mapping to support investigations and prosecutions.
The EA stated that its drones have flown 272 hours since July 2025, with an increased focus on waste crime.
The construction industry remains a massive contributor to carbon emissions and waste, producing around 40% of global emissions. In the UK, construction and demolition represent nearly 66% of the country’s total waste stream.
New software will cross-reference HGV applications with waste permits and licenses
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) operator licence applications will be cross-checked against public registers of waste permits and carrier licences, via the Office of the Traffic Commissioner. This will enable earlier identification of operators attempting to move waste without the correct licence and permits.
The tool has already been successfully trialled in East Anglia, where it was used to identify a company that attempted to avoid enforcement by relocating their HGV operating hub.
The government is ‘aggressively pursuing waste criminals’
Environment secretary, Emma Reynolds, said: “This Government is aggressively pursuing waste criminals and bringing offenders to justice.”
She added: “From advanced laser mapping to drone surveillance and new vehicle scanning tools, this technology is helping us track, expose and stop waste crime, ensuring those who blight our communities are held to account.”
Last year, the EA reported 751 illegal waste sites shut down and 221 prosecutions up to March 2025.
Phil Davies, the head of the Joint Unit for Waste Crime, said: “Illegal waste dumping is appalling, and we are determined to turn the tide on this heinous crime.
“With organised criminals becoming ever more sophisticated, we are adopting new technologies to find and, importantly, stop them.
“Through the greater use of drones, stronger partnerships and more officers on the ground, we will build on our action so far and send a clear message to those committing waste crimes – we will stop you.”
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