Meanwhile, Defra has reported the worst year on record for fly tipping in England.
Revelations first came to light in January thanks to a Channel 4 News investigation into an illegal dump in Bickershaw, Wigan. More than 25,000 tonnes of rubbish had been tipped at the location, most of which sits on land owned by the Duchy of Lancaster – the private estate owned by King Charles III.
Now considered a major environmental hazard, despite the immediate risk to nearby residents the landowner is now arguing that it has no legal responsibility to pay for a clean up. This claim comes down to an antiquated ‘escheat’ principle, essentially meaning the cost of removing waste and making good of the site would fall on Wigan Council.
Following the Duchy’s offer to transfer officially transfer land to the authority, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has criticised the suggestion, arguing that King Charles is a known environmentalist and should offer support to the local community. Failing to do so would be an example of northern constituents being treated as ‘second-class citizens.’
‘The Environment Agency should step forward, work with the Duchy of Lancaster and get this site cleaned up. Give this community in Bickershaw back their safety,’ Burnham said. ‘It breaks my heart. I was the member of Parliament here. I know what these mining communities have been through. They’ve just been treated as though they’re like an afterthought for many many years, and it’s so wrong. It’s unbelievable.’
‘I’m saying to the government, we are working with them to bring more devolved powers here to give a stronger story for the north but deal with things like this as part of that and do not let a situation carry on where communities here feel as though they’re second class,’ he continued.
A spokesperson from the Duchy has confirmed the organisation remains ‘fully committed to working with Wigan Council and the Environment Agency’.
The news comes as Defra has published new figures for fly-tipping in England. Overall, 2024-2025 saw a 9% year-in-year increase in incidents compared with the previous 12 moths. However, the number of fines issued actually fell by 8%. As did the combined value, even though the average individual charge had increased marginally.
Organised criminals were found to be contributing 4% to the rubbish pile, with 52,000 incidents of ‘tipper lorry load’ sized dumping occurring in 2024-2025 alone. Authorities spent £19.3 million on dealing with and clearing these large-scale events. The numbers mark the highest level of illegal dumping on record.
‘Fly tipping can endanger local habitats, damage the environment where waste is dumped and attract pests, creating lasting harm for communities,’ said David Gudgeon, Head of External Affairs at circular economy specialists Reconomy Connect. ‘The fact that nearly two-thirds of incidents involve household waste demonstrates how widespread the problem has become, while the increase in larger ‘tipper lorry load’ cases adds further financial strain to local authorities.
‘The data also shows a decline in the number and total value of court fines issued,’ he added. ‘While the average fine has risen slightly, enforcement must remain visible and effective if it is to act as a genuine deterrent, particularly given ongoing concerns about illegal waste collectors advertising on social media without the proper permits or licences. Households and businesses should ensure they are using a registered carrier and ask for a copy of the waste transfer or disposal documentation.’
Image: Sandy Millar / Unsplash
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