Public’s help needed following large waste deposits
Date published: 26 January 2026
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are looking for the public’s help in relation to waste crime in Ayrshire.
Two large illegal waste deposits were reported to SEPA in late December 2025.
The first deposit of waste was discovered near the Dundonald Road area of the Moorfield Industrial Estate, Kilmarnock and is believed to have been deposited between the 22nd and the 29th of December.
A second waste deposit was discovered at the IMEX Business Park, Lugar, locally known as Lugar Works, on the 30th of December. The vehicles believed to be involved are thought to have been travelling through Muirkirk to Lugar between 4 and 6pm on that date.
SEPA officers hope the public may have information to help track down those responsible.
Kirsty McHarg, Southwest Scotland Unit Manager said: “From the reports received, it seems this dumping has been done by white sided lorries. We believe those responsible travelled through both locations and hope this appeal may jog memories, or that people with dashcam footage or with access to CCTV in these locations might have spotted something that might help our investigation.
“Additionally, we’re asking members of the public to continue to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to us. This could be unusual vehicle movement or activity at unused sites. Landowners should also be alert to the risk of their land or premises being used for illegal waste deposits.
“Not only does waste crime have a serious impact on the environment, communities and legitimate businesses, but it also costs taxpayers tens of millions of pounds a year for clean-ups, and in avoided tax and lost revenue.”
Illegal waste deposits are not only unsightly but can also result in environmental impact with the release of harmful gases and liquids as biodegradable waste degrades over time.
Members of the public can support the fight against waste crime by stopping criminals getting their hands on waste in the first place. Households and businesses have a duty to ensure the waste they produce is disposed of legally.
If you have any information in relation to these vehicles or illegal waste deposits, or to report any suspected illegal waste disposal activity, members of the public can contact SEPA in confidence at www.sepa.org.uk/report or by calling 0800 80 70 60.
Notes to editors
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