In Sheffield, Geoff Howarth, has expressed frustration over an illegal dump next to his business in Attercliffe.
He believes it poses a health hazard and a fire risk.
“I don’t believe this is going to be cleared in my Mum’s lifetime. I don’t think it will be done in my lifetime,” the 53-year-old said.
Howarth who has been part of family business City Wholesale for around 40 years, says the problem is exacerbated in the hot weather, and says vermin are also problem.
“The smell that comes out of here … with the heat that magnifies and draws it back out of the ground, so everything that has been tipped on here for all the months, years, you get the smell from that.
“Slowly but surely, you have now got the rats coming out for something new to eat.
“You are living on tenterhooks, and it’s been like that for a long time now.”
A restriction order from Sheffield Magistrates’ Court stuck to the front of the business on Worthing Road, explains that it is an offence for anyone to enter the premises or dispose of waste under the Environment Act 1995.
The order has been continuously extended since 9 March 2023.
The government has pledged to crack down on waste crime to clean up streets and restore pride in communities, publishing a 10-point action plan to manage the problem, external.
It has committed to funding the clean-up of some of the worst illegal waste sites in the country, including the site in Sheffield.
Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Emma Reynolds said: “Waste criminals have been damaging our communities, countryside, environment, and economy for too long.
“This Action Plan sends a clear message: dump illegally and you will face the full consequences.”
