North East man jailed for running illegal waste site
14th February 2025, 4:25 pm
A man from the North East has been jailed for running an illegal waste site.
James Smith, 45, of Gateshead, was sentenced to 18 months in prison at Newcastle Crown Court today (February 14).
Smith was found guilty of operating an illegal waste site at a farm in Whickham, Gateshead. The site was used to store and dispose of large quantities of waste, including tyres, plastics, and hazardous materials.
The court heard that Smith had been running the site for several years and had made a significant amount of money from his illegal activities.
The Environment Agency (EA) investigated the site after receiving complaints from local residents. The EA found that the site was operating without a permit and that the waste was being stored and disposed of in a way that posed a risk to the environment and human health.
EA officers seized a number of vehicles and pieces of equipment from the site. They also found evidence that Smith had been burning waste on the site, which released harmful pollutants into the air.
Smith pleaded guilty to a number of offences, including operating an illegal waste site, storing and disposing of waste without a permit, and burning waste.
In addition to his prison sentence, Smith was also ordered to pay £5,000 in costs.
Environment Agency Officer, Lee Robinson, said:
“This case should serve as a warning to anyone who thinks they can operate an illegal waste site. We will not hesitate to take action against those who break the law and put the environment and human health at risk.”
Notes to editors:
- The Environment Agency is the leading public body protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales.
- It’s our mission to create a better place for people and wildlife, and support sustainable development within environmental limits.
- We do this through regulation, evidence, and advice.
- We are the principal advisor to government on the environment and provide leadership across the sector.
- We work with businesses, local authorities, farmers and other organisations and individuals across England and Wales to improve the environment.
- We can respond to your enquiries at any time of day or night. Please call our press office on 03708 506 506 or email pressoffice@environment-agency.gov.uk
North East man jailed for running illegal waste site
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