Communities blighted by illegal tips close to homes

The agency pledged to continue its crackdown on illegal waste operations, which has led to 2,000 such sites being shut down in the last two years.

But more than 800 illegal waste sites have been identified, more than 350 of which were within 50 metres of schools, homes or natural areas.

Publishing a comprehensive review of industry's environmental performance, the agency said that rubbish which was not disposed of properly by illegal operators could have serious consequences to the environment and blight local communities.

The says that for every 10 legal waste sites, there is one operating illegally.

Even legal rubbish sites can cause problems, with waste facilities having the most serious pollution incidents of all the sectors the agency regulates – which range from agriculture and transport to sewage facilities and industry.

Waste sites cause around half of all serious pollution incidents in locations regulated by the Environment Agency.

Agency chief executive Paul Leinster said the organisation would continue to target poor performing companies and illegal activities that damaged the environment and posed a risk to communities.

"We'll continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to illegal waste sites."

Mr Leinster added that producers of waste had a role to play by making sure their waste only went to legitimate and licensed operators.