Work begins to clear 18,000-tonne illegal dump in Wigan

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 10 Nov, 06:58 · Archive

Work has begun to remove approximately 18,000 tonnes of waste from an illegal dump near Bickershaw, Wigan, which accumulated since early 2025.

Work has begun to clear an illegal waste dump on Bolton House Road near Bickershaw, Wigan, containing approximately 18,000 tonnes of rubbish. The site has been accumulating waste since early 2025, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced the clean-up operation is now underway.

The project is expected to cost around £4.8 million and will be managed by contractor Acumen Waste Services Ltd, according to Wigan council. Specialist teams aim to remove up to 25 lorry loads of waste each day, with the entire operation expected to be complete by spring 2027.

In July 2025, a major fire broke out at the site, lasting approximately ten days. The fire emitted dangerous fumes and forced nearby businesses and schools to close, causing significant disruption to the local community.

Environment Secretary Angela Eagle said no community should have to endure the 'misery' of living near an illegal waste dump. She stated the government would use additional officers and drones to identify those responsible and ensure they face consequences. Five people have been arrested as part of the investigation into the illegal dumping.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham, previously Metropolitan Mayor of Greater Manchester, had campaigned on the issue during his bid to win the Makerfield seat, describing the site as 'blighting communities' and committing to start the clean-up 'as soon as possible'.

How it is being reported

• Work starts to remove 18,000 tonne ‘ocean’ of toxic waste at illegal dump in WiganThe £4.8M project is set to clear the site by spring, 2027Manchester Evening News · 10 Nov, 06:40
• 18,000-tonne illegal dump to be clearedThe illegal dump in Bickershaw, Wigan, has been growing since 2024.BBC Manchester · 10 Nov, 06:24
• Work finally starts to clear waste from notorious illegal dump site in Wigan“I want to thank everyone who has campaigned tirelessly to get us to this point and this is a really important milestone, with waste removal now under way.Wigan Today · 10 Nov, 04:55

In this story: Bickershaw · Wigan · Andy Burnham · Angela Eagle · Acumen Waste Services Ltd · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Environment Agency

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log