Work to clear 18,000 tonnes of illegally dumped toxic waste at Bickershaw, near Wigan, was halted on its first day after historical mine shafts were found beneath the site. The operation began on Tuesday, November 10, but was paused to allow for further construction work, according to a council spokesperson.
Clean-up operation begins and pauses
The waste, described as an 'ocean of rubbish', accumulated during the early months of 2025 and is expected to cost around £4.8m to clear, with up to 25 lorry loads of waste leaving the site each day. In September, Wigan council said contractor Acumen Waste Services Ltd would clean up the piles of rubbish near Bolton House Road.
Work was stopped because of 'historical mine shafts on site that could cause a risk with repeated heavy lorry loads'. The council spokesperson said the contractor needed to carry out further construction work to ensure the route is safe for this type of activity.
Background of the illegal dump
Around 18,000 tonnes of toxic waste was placed at the site illegally. In July 2025, a week-long fire saw tonnes of waste burned, emitting dangerous fumes and forcing nearby schools to close. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said the clean-up would 'bring relief to a community that has endured major disruption from the notorious site'.
Reassurance and ongoing investigation
The council spokesperson said: "We want to reassure residents that work has started on site and this waste clearance is expected to complete in spring next year, as planned. To avoid disruption to residents who've already suffered enough, we're accessing the site through former mining land rather than the residential road."
Works are continuing on site, with the council committed to keeping residents updated as the complex clearance proceeds. Earlier this week, the government said the Environment Agency is also hunting down the criminals behind the 'appalling' dumping, with five arrests made as part of the investigation.
