WASTE criminals could soon face tougher enforcement powers as the government looks to crack down on illegal dumping and organised waste crime.

Under new proposals, ministers want to give the Environment Agency powers similar to those used by police under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

The move would allow enforcement officers to intervene earlier in investigations and target the finances of organised crime groups involved in illegal waste activity.

The plans form part of a new Waste Crime Action Plan, which the government says will set out a tougher approach to offences ranging from fly-tipping to large illegal waste sites.

If introduced, the powers would make the Environment Agency one of only a small number of organisations able to use such legislation, underlining the government’s view that waste crime should be treated as serious organised crime.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “Waste crime is a disgrace. It blights our countryside and communities, damaging our environment and economy.

“We’re giving the Environment Agency the police-like powers they need to stop waste criminals in their tracks and bring those responsible swiftly to justice.”

Officials are also exploring ways for enforcement bodies to share intelligence with banks and finance companies, allowing them to make informed decisions about doing business with companies linked to waste crime.

Philip Duffy, chief executive of the Environment Agency, said stronger powers were needed to tackle organised networks.

“Waste crime causes misery across communities, and we have significantly stepped up our response to it already. But we are not standing still.

“While having more boots on the ground is important in tackling these criminal networks, we also need to make sure our officers have as many powers as possible to bring them down.

“But we can’t do this on our own. We are working closely with the police and local government. And we need the eyes and ears of the public to report potential dumping through Crimestoppers or our incident hotline. Working together, we can drive criminals out of our waste sector.”

Waste crime is estimated to cost the UK economy around £1 billion every year.

Ministers say anyone caught illegally transporting or dealing with waste could face up to five years in prison under new laws expected to be introduced when parliamentary time allows.

Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones added: “Fly tipping is an attack on our countryside, our communities, and the environment we all share.

“We will give the Environment Agency the power they need to crack down on these reckless criminals.”