By KLTV Newsdesk –

Court order blocks waste being brought to Calder Quarry in Elland following reports of illegal dumping, as criminal investigation continues

The Environment Agency has taken action to shut down a former quarry in Elland after thousands of tonnes of waste were allegedly dumped illegally at the site.

A court order is now in place preventing waste from being brought to Calder Quarry, with access to the land also restricted, subject to certain exceptions.

The Restriction Order was obtained at West Yorkshire Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 3 September and will remain in place for six months.

Anyone who breaches the order is committing a criminal offence.

Investigation follows reports from residents

The Environment Agency began investigating the site in December 2025 after local residents reported waste being tipped at the quarry, with some describing odours as being like ‘rubbish and rotting food’.

An assessment by the agency found that thousands of tonnes of waste had been dumped at the site, with some of it buried. Excavators were also seen operating on the land.

The quarry is surrounded by residential properties, two schools and a railway line, raising concerns about the potential impact of the waste activity on the surrounding community.

Those suspected of being responsible for the operation were instructed to immediately stop bringing waste onto the site, while Calderdale Council issued a temporary stop notice at the entrance preventing further waste imports.

However, further waste was reportedly dumped at the quarry in August 2026.

Court order restricts access

In response, the Environment Agency issued a restriction notice on Tuesday 1 September, preventing access to the land and stopping further waste from being deposited.

A restriction notice can remain in place for up to 72 hours, during which time an application must be made to the court for a longer-term restriction order unless the notice is withdrawn.

The Environment Agency’s application was granted at West Yorkshire Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 3 September.

A criminal investigation into suspected illegal waste activity at the quarry remains ongoing.

Environment Agency ‘coming down hard’ on waste crime

The action forms part of the Environment Agency’s 10 Point Plan to tackle waste crime, which aims to strengthen prevention, improve detection and deliver more consistent enforcement through sustained action and partnerships.

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.”

Residents urged to report waste crime

The Environment Agency is urging members of the public to continue reporting suspected waste crime.

This includes illegal dumping, suspicious waste movements or burning, unlicensed waste operators and unusually cheap offers to dispose of waste.

Reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or to the Environment Agency incident line on 0800 807060.