'Coming down hard' - Access blocked to Yorkshire quarry where waste was illegally dumped
Access to a former Calderdale quarry where waste has been illegally dumped has been blocked by the Environment Agency.
The Environment Agency (EA) says it is “coming down hard” on waste crime as part of it’s 10 point plan – and this is an example.
A court order is now in place preventing the dumping of waste at Calder Quarry in Elland.
The restriction order bans waste from being imported on to the site and access to the land is also prohibited, subject to certain exceptions.
Anyone breaching the order is committing a criminal offence, said the EA.
The order was obtained at West Yorkshire Magistrates’ Court on September 3, and will be in place for six months.
The site is surrounded by residential properties, two schools and a railway line.
A criminal investigation into suspected illegal waste activity is ongoing, says the agency.
Ben Hocking, Yorkshire Area Environment Manager for the Environment Agency, said: “Residents should not have to put up with everything that comes with illegal waste dumps, including the awful smells.
“We acted on reports from the community and our inspections confirmed waste was dumped at this site in recent weeks.
“We’ve taken action to shut it down while our criminal investigation continues. As part of our 10 point plan we are coming down hard on those we suspect of being involved in waste crime.
“Where we find evidence of illegal activity, we will not hesitate to take enforcement action.”
The Environment Agency started its investigation into the site in December 2025, when local residents reported waste tipping at the quarry with odours described as “rubbish and rotting food.”
Their assessment revealed thousands of tonnes of waste had been dumped, with some of it buried.
A number of excavators were also seen on the site.
Those suspected of being responsible for the operation were told to immediately stop bringing in waste and Calderdale Council issued a temporary stop notice at the entrance to the site, which meant waste must not be imported.
However last month, in August 2026, it was reported that further waste had been dumped.
The Environment Agency issued a restriction notice to restrict access to the land and stop waste being deposited. This came into force on September 1.
A restriction notice can be in place for up to 72 hours and an application must be made to the court for a restriction order during that period, unless the notice is withdrawn.
The application for a restriction order was granted on September 3, said the EA.
The agency said it is important the public continue to report suspected waste crime.
People can report illegal dumping, suspicious waste movements or burning, unlicensed operators, or unusually cheap disposal offers to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the Environment Agency incident line on 0800 807060.