Work has begun to clear the Bolton House Road illegal waste site in Wigan, the Government announced on Tuesday 10 November. The operation will see an estimated 18,000 tonnes of commercial and household waste dug up and removed, with specialist teams aiming to clear up to 25 lorry loads each day. The whole operation is expected to be complete in spring 2027.

According to the announcement, the site has caused major disruption for residents, and a fire there in summer 2025 forced a nearby school to close as a precaution. The Environment Agency is investigating those behind the dumping, and five arrests have already been made. Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle said the clean-up was an important step in putting things right for local people, while Wigan Council leader Councillor Nazia Rehman called the start of waste removal an important milestone.

The clean-up follows the Government's announced crackdown on waste crime, including greater use of drones, a larger role for Mayors and police, and higher fines. The announcement also cited plans to raise fines for rogue actors who dump waste illegally or fail to treat it correctly to up to £5,000, up from the current maximum of £300, alongside wider asset-confiscation powers.