Waste Firm Sounds Alarm Over Arson and Trespassing at Cambridgeshire Landfill

DOWNLOAD IPFS

A leading waste management company has issued a public plea following a sharp increase in arson attacks and illegal trespassing at a landfill site in Cambridgeshire. FCC Environment, which operates the Grunty Fen landfill near Witchford, says repeated break-ins are putting lives at risk, damaging vital infrastructure, and fuelling rumours about the cause of recent fires on the site.

The firm, which manages waste and recycling facilities across the U.K., revealed that five separate arson incidents were recorded at the Grunty Fen site during June, along with a theft back in April. With firefighters forced to respond to repeated blazes in dangerously dry conditions, the company is now urging residents to come forward with any information that could lead to those responsible.

Mark Cheetham, General Manager of Landfill at FCC Environment (formerly Waste Recycling Group), said: “Some people seem to believe we’re behind the fires, but that is categorically false. The truth is, members of the public are illegally accessing our site, causing damage and lighting these fires, which could have devastating consequences.”

Despite increased efforts to secure the site’s perimeter, FCC says people continue to force their way in, treating the landfill as a place to explore rather than a high-risk, controlled industrial facility. The company warned that such behaviour is illegal and reckless, placing staff and emergency responders in danger.

Cheetham added: “We’ve spent considerable resources reinforcing the site boundaries and trying to deter intruders. But people are still getting in and setting fires. These incidents are deeply concerning, especially during such dry weather when the risk of a fire spreading is significantly higher.”

Staff Safety

The human impact of the repeated incidents has not been overlooked. According to the FCC, the arson attacks are affecting staff morale and creating a growing sense of insecurity among workers.

“My team should not have to start their day wondering if the site will be safe,” said Cheetham. “They deserve to come to work without the fear of walking into a dangerous or volatile situation. The constant vandalism is not only damaging equipment, it’s affecting real people who are simply trying to do their jobs.”

He also stressed the financial burden these crimes are placing on the business. Beyond the cost of repairs and replacing equipment, the additional challenge is ensuring the site remains operational and safe following each incident.

FCC confirmed it is working with local police and exploring further security measures to catch those responsible. They are calling on anyone with knowledge of the perpetrators to speak to police in confidence. The firm emphasised that the behaviour is not just criminal but dangerous, even to the arsonists.

“Fires on landfill sites can escalate quickly. Those lighting them may think it’s a bit of fun, but they are endangering their own lives, the lives of our workers, and the firefighters who have to respond,” Cheetham warned.

FCC Environment is among the U.K.’s major waste firms, working with local authorities and private clients to manage and reduce waste. With increasing strain on essential services, the company says community support is now more important than ever to protect both people and the environment.