Main content

Dirty Secrets

Criminals are said to be making a billion pounds a year in the UK by illegally dumping waste. Is law enforcement up to the job of stopping them? Allan Urry investigates.

The UK generates nearly 300 million tonnes of waste every year. That's rich pickings for criminals who illegally dump what we don't want, damaging the environment and threatening our health. The black market in rubbish is said to be worth a billion pounds. With such huge sums at stake there's concern that organised crime is increasing its grip on the sector. Allan Urry examines the efforts of Britain's Environment Agencies to try to hold the line. But it's tough going at a time when cuts have led to a reduction in staffing.
Reporter: Allan Urry
Producer: Carl Johnston.

Available now

38 minutes

READ THE TRANSCRIPT

Criminals are said to be making a billion pounds a year in the UK by illegally dumping waste. Is law enforcement up to the job of stopping them? Allan Urry investigates.

Read the Transcript

Broadcasts

  • Tue 11 Nov 2014 20:00
  • Sun 16 Nov 2014 17:00

Download this programme

Download this programme

Subscribe to this programme or download individual episodes.

Podcast