The new ‘drones squad’ that tracks illegal waste dumps from the air
Waste crime squads across the UK are preparing to deploy drones equipped with advanced laser mapping technology to detect illegal waste dumps from the air, the government has announced.
This new aerial surveillance initiative aims to support efforts to track and prosecute environmental criminals.
The Environment Agency (EA) has confirmed that a dedicated “drone team” of 33 specially trained pilots has been established. Their mission is to collect crucial evidence of illegal waste dumping and ultimately facilitate the prosecution of those responsible for waste crimes.
In addition to the drone program, the environmental watchdog has developed a new and improved scanning tool. This technology allows officers to improve their ability to detect suspicious activity by comparing truck license applications to existing waste permit records.
It was also seen that the number of members of the Joint Waste Crime Unit’s expert team increased from 13 to 20; This team works closely with law enforcement to take down organized crime networks.
The measures come as waste crime continues to rise across the country, sparking widespread public outrage over high-profile illegal tipping. Notable incidents include a 150-metre-long midden discovered near the River Cherwell in Oxfordshire and a staggering 30,000-tonne pile found in the protected Hoads Wood area in Kent.
According to figures obtained by the BBC under freedom of information laws, it was revealed that 517 waste collection centres, including 11 “super facilities”, were in operation at the end of last year.
But EA has moved to tackle the problem, saying it shut down 751 sites in a record year last year.
Phil Davies, Joint Unit head of the Waste Crime Unit, said: “Illegal dumping is appalling and we are determined to turn the tide on this heinous crime.
“With organized criminals becoming increasingly sophisticated, we are embracing new technologies to find and, more importantly, stop them.
“Through greater use of drones, stronger partnerships and more officers on the ground, we will build on our actions so far and send a clear message to those committing waste crimes – we will stop you.”
EA is flying a drone from a private aircraft mainly to collect flood information; It has reached a total flight time of 272 hours since July of last year.
But the 54 drones will soon be equipped with light detection and ranging (Lidar) technology, which fires millions of laser points per second at the ground below to create a detailed map of illegal dumping sites.
The watchdog said installing this more precise mapping technology on drones would allow teams to pinpoint exactly where waste was dumped and use the maps as evidence in court.
Meanwhile, the EA’s new license screening software will allow officers to check official weekly lists of all new applications for heavy goods vehicle operator licences, against the EA’s records of waste permits and waste transport licences.
This means teams can better identify and target potential criminals before they begin operations.
The new measures come after the Government increased the Environment Agency’s budget for waste crime enforcement by more than 50% this year to £15.6 million.
Environment Minister Emma Reynolds said: “This Government is aggressively pursuing waste criminals and bringing offenders to justice.”
He added: “From advanced laser mapping to drone surveillance and new vehicle scanning tools, this technology helps us track, detect and stop waste crime, holding those who harm our communities to account.”
