A substantial illegal mountain of plastic waste was discovered dumped on a disused Second World War airfield in Suffolk, leading to enforcement action by the Environment Agency. The massive mound of plastic material appeared between June and August in 2022 on the Smithwood Green Airfield, located near Alpheton in Suffolk.
Historic Site Contaminated
The site is situated close to RAF Lavenham, a former airfield that was utilized by the United States Army Air Forces during the war and subsequently closed in 1948. This historic location has now become the focal point of a significant environmental violation.
Environment Agency Investigation
The Environment Agency confirmed that the case involves the 'unauthorized processing of waste' on the land. Charles Shallow, who is understood to be the landowner, has been formally ordered to clear the enormous pile of plastic waste. As part of the resolution, Mr. Shallow has offered to make a £2,500 donation to the Suffolk Wildlife Trust.
In addition to the charitable contribution, he will be required to cover the Environment Agency's investigation costs and implement specific measures to prevent any recurrence of offending, stop further violations, and restore any environmental harm caused by the illegal dumping.
Enforcement Action Accepted
The enforcement undertaking was officially accepted on 26 January 2026. An Environment Agency spokesperson provided a statement regarding the case, noting, 'As part of an ongoing case involving other defendants and subject to court proceedings, we are unable to comment on the specific circumstances relating to this Enforcement Undertaking.'
The spokesperson further explained, 'The EU was offered by Mr. Shallow after the Environment Agency's investigation alleged he had knowingly caused or knowingly permitted waste offences to take place on land that he was responsible for.'
Local Government Concerns
Robert Lindsay, who represents the Cosford division on Suffolk County Council, expressed serious concerns about the incident. He emphasized that waste processing 'needs to be done properly' under appropriate regulatory frameworks.
'We have to process waste but it needs to be done properly under licenses with a permit from the environment agency so everything is controlled,' Lindsay stated. 'What seems to have happened here is someone doing it without a permit and without controls. There may be dangerous waste.'
He highlighted the potential risks, adding, 'We don't know what's in the waste or how dangerous it is and clearly there is a danger to the public and environment.'
Broader Context of Illegal Dumping
This incident follows another significant case of illegal waste dumping in the region. At the beginning of March, approximately 1,200 tonnes of rubbish was dumped on the Norfolk and Suffolk border in Stockton. Landowner Peter Dive was left facing a staggering £500,000 clean-up bill after household, commercial, and recycling waste was illegally deposited on his property.
The pattern of such incidents underscores growing concerns about illegal waste management practices in East Anglia and the substantial environmental and financial consequences they create for landowners and local communities.
