Government begins cleaning up illegal waste site in Wigan

The UK government and Wigan Council have started a project to clear a notorious illegal waste site at Bolton House Road in Wigan.

Specialist removal teams are digging up and removing approximately 18,000 tonnes of commercial and household waste from the location. The teams aim to transport up to 25 lorry loads of waste every day. Authorities expect the entire cleanup operation to finish by spring 2027.

The site caused significant disruption for local residents, including a fire in summer 2025 that forced a nearby school to close for safety. The Environment Agency is currently investigating the criminals responsible for the dumping and has made five arrests so far. To stop waste crime, the government is increasing fines for illegal dumping from a maximum of £300 to £5,000.

The Environment Agency will also receive new powers to seize assets like cars and houses bought with money from waste crime. These measures are part of a broader plan to tackle organized criminal gangs using drones and increased police involvement.