The Liverpool City Region's first waste crime conference was held in Widnes on Friday 16 October, according to a government press release published on 19 October 2026. Organised by the Environment Agency and the Merseyside Police & Crime Commissioner and hosted by Halton Borough Council, it brought together the Environment Agency, Merseyside Police, the Joint Unit for Waste Crime, the region's 6 local councils, Defra, UKHSA and Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service.

Partners agreed to work more closely, sharing intelligence and coordinating activity to prevent and disrupt illegal waste operations. Ian Crewe, the Environment Agency's area director for Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire, said waste crime costs the English economy over £1 billion every year, with an estimated 20% of all waste illegally managed. The release cites £45 million in additional government funding over the next three years on top of a previously announced £5.6 million increase for this financial year.

The release also notes that in December 2025 the Environment Agency closed an illegal waste site in Knowsley and blocked access to it while an investigation continues. A Waste Crime Crackdown Group chaired by Environment Secretary Angela Eagle was described as bringing regulators and law enforcement together.