A 25,000-tonne mountain of illegally dumped waste sits on land partially owned by King Charles, according to reports. The site, described as the UK's 'most dangerous illegal waste dump', spans two acres near Bolton House Road in Bickershaw, Wigan, and is located close to a primary school. Shocking images show thousands of black bin bags containing household rubbish, including nappies, as well as harmful chemicals and plastics.
Around a third of the site is on land owned by the Duchy of Lancaster, the King's private portfolio of properties and estates. However, the Duchy is exempt from regulations and duties to clean the site due to an ancient feudal legal framework dating back 750 years. The Duchy insists that responsibility for clearing the 20-metre high waste mountains lies with Wigan Council.
If the Duchy hands over the contaminated land to the council, it would pass a clean-up bill of several million pounds to taxpayers. The Duchy maintains it does not have to take on liabilities due to 'escheat' law, but has said it 'would be prepared to discuss with Wigan Council these matters'. Critics argue this refusal contradicts Environment Agency guidance that landowners are responsible for clearing illegal waste.
A Duchy spokesperson said: 'It is incorrect to say that the illegal waste dump... is on land largely owned by the Duchy of Lancaster. Approximately 70% of the illegal tipping site is owned by other parties.' The spokesperson added that the minority 30% vested to the Duchy in July 2025 via escheat, and that the Duchy contacted Wigan Council to seek a resolution.
Locals reported horror conditions, with one resident saying: 'It's absolutely horrible here... we've had rats and lots of flies.' Another said: 'We've had big wagons dumping stuff like nappies, black bin rubbish, chemicals and plastic.' A fire broke out at the site in July, declared a major incident, prompting Wigan Council to obtain closure orders.
