The Environment Agency reported on 11 August 2026 that two local men had been arrested on suspicion of waste offences as part of its investigation into large-scale illegal waste dumping at a farm on Coal Pit Lane near Middlewich, Cheshire. A 69-year-old man was arrested at the site on the morning of Friday 7 August, when the agency sought assistance from Cheshire Police, and was later released on bail. A 37-year-old man was arrested at the same site in a planned follow-up operation on Monday 10 August and was also bailed.

The agency said the site contained a significant amount of green garden waste, construction waste, plastics, tyres, shredded waste and mixed household waste, all deposited on agricultural land next to the River Wheelock. It said the matter had been under a complex ongoing investigation into suspected illegal activity. The agency added that it published a 10 Point Plan for tackling waste crime in March.

Caroline Berry, the agency's Area Environment Manager, said waste crime harms the environment and communities, and Sergeant Robert Simpson of Cheshire Police's Rural Crime Team said such crime can cause long-lasting environmental damage. The agency urged people to check the public register of waste carriers and to report suspected waste crime. Investigations were reported to be continuing.