Residents in Knowsley are still enduring the 'foul' odour coming from an illegal waste site, nearly 10 months after it was discovered in December 2025. As of yet, no rubbish has been removed from the Kirkby site.
Council update on hazardous waste
Knowsley Council has issued an update on the level of 'hazardous' waste found at the site. A spokesperson for Knowsley Council said: "The Environment Agency are the body responsible for assessing the environmental risks of this site. The results of their sampling have been shared with the council only in the past few days, and show that the waste comprises a mixed range of materials, including plastics, wood, paper, textiles, metals, glass and other inert materials."
"As would be expected for a large mixed waste deposit like this, some materials have been classified as hazardous under waste classification rules, primarily due to the presence of oils and certain metals."
The spokesperson added: "[Environment Agency] have informed us that the results of their sampling do not indicate any direct risk to nearby residents. Further testing, including water sampling, is due to take place and the site is being regularly monitored."
Calls for urgent action
Reform UK in Knowsley has taken to social media to call on the Labour-led Knowsley Council for transparency and action about the risks to public health from the waste. Citing the foul smell, the Facebook post read: "This situation now requires urgent action. The most important priority must be the immediate publication of a clear, public statement setting out the results of all testing carried out on the land."
"Residents have the right to know exactly what contamination is present, what substances have been identified and what risks they may pose to public health, the environment and wildlife."
"If testing shows that the waste or contamination presents any danger to people's health, it must be removed urgently. Residents should not be expected to live alongside potentially hazardous material while agencies delay or provide limited information."
Council leader's response
Cllr Graham Morgan, leader of the council, made a speech at the full council meeting on Wednesday, October 21, in response to an independent councillor questioning the status of the investigation and plans to remove the waste. He said: "Responsibility for the clearance of the site in Knowsley sits squarely with those responsible for its creation in the first place or failing that then the private landlord or landowner should take responsibility."
"In this regard we continue to work with the EA to progress the criminal investigation through to a prosecution as soon as possible so those that are responsible are held to account."
He said that although government intervention in similar cases had been possible across the country, it was not guaranteed in this instance for Kirkby, and encouraged residents to report the smell to the Environment Agency as sites are prioritised based on the impact on residents.
Environment Agency investigation
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: "Illegal waste crime can have significant consequences for people, places and the environment and we are leading a criminal investigation to bring those responsible to justice."
"Our officers acted swiftly to shut down the site and prevent further waste from being deposited and we have no doubt that without our intervention significantly more waste would have been dumped."
"We remain fully committed to working with partners to address the impacts on the local community and will not hesitate to take necessary enforcement action."
"Anyone with any relevant information is urged to contact Crimestoppers or call our 24/7 hotline number on 0800 80 70 60."
