Drones armed with lasers to tackle illegal rubbish dumps

The Environment Agency announced the deployment of more than 30 'drone squads' equipped with laser mapping technology across England on Friday, February 20, 2026, to combat the growing problem of illegal waste dumps that cost the economy approximately £1 billion annually while allowing criminals to avoid millions in landfill taxes. The new initiative includes 33 trained pilots operating drones with laser technology to create detailed maps of suspected illegal waste sites, alongside new software to verify that waste lorries have the proper permits. The announcement comes amid criticism of the agency's slow response to illegal dumping, exemplified by a case in Epping, Essex, where tonnes of rubbish were dumped despite an investigation beginning 12 months earlier. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds emphasized that the government is 'aggressively pursuing waste criminals' with the EA's enforcement budget boosted to £15.6m. Illegal waste dumping has become a sophisticated criminal enterprise, with organized gangs exploiting poorly enforced legal repercussions to make huge profits. It's estimated that a fifth of all waste in England—approximately 34 million tonnes annually—is being illegally managed, enough to fill about four million skips. The crime not only costs the economy around £1 billion yearly but also puts legitimate operators at a disadvantage, with estimated losses of £3 billion from missed business. Previous investigations have revealed brazen criminal activity, including suspected fly-tippers waving wads of cash on social media after illegal dumping in the countryside. Despite the technological advancements, environmental organizations warn that more resources are needed to effectively combat the problem. James Wallace, chief executive of River Action, welcomed the measures but argued they 'do not go far enough,' noting that 'the EA remains chronically underfunded and understaffed.' Meanwhile, local MP Alex Burghart criticized the agency's handling of the Epping site, stating that 'something has clearly gone badly wrong' in the case. The EA has responded by expanding the Joint Unit for Waste Crime from 13 to 20 specialists, comprising police, the National Crime Agency, and various environmental bodies, to enhance their coordinated approach against increasingly sophisticated criminal operations.