Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleEmily BeamentWednesday 15 April 2026 01:54 BSTMountain of illegal waste dumped in OxfordshireAn illegal waste dump, stretching 150 metres and containing 21,000 tonnes of rubbish, is being cleared from a site near the River Cherwell in Kidlington, Oxfordshire.The colossal clean-up operation, led by the Environment Agency and costing £7.3 million, is expected to take six months, with 15 to 30 lorry loads removed daily.The dumping caused widespread outrage and prompted a criminal investigation, leading to four arrests, with concerns raised about pollution to the River Cherwell and fire risks.The Environment Agency secured a court order to stop further dumping in October and is now funding the clear-up, vowing to pursue those responsible for the costs.This incident highlights the extent of criminal activity in the waste sector, prompting the Environment Agency to implement a 10-point action plan to prevent future illegal dumps.In fullThe eye-watering cost of removing illegal waste mountain near River Cherwell as timescale of work revealedThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in