Courtroom skills for local authorities prosecutions
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Waste Enforcement: Investigation & Prosecution
Essential legal training for waste enforcement officers
Online / In Person
2 days
About this course
Despite increased public awareness about appropriate recycling and waste management, waste enforcement is still a significant issue. The introduction of waste collection charges and the reduction in number of open municipal waste landfills has contributed to some of the classic waste enforcement issues, like illegal dumping and burning waste. This continues to be of considerable concern to Local Authorities due to the huge environmental harm and clean- up costs. Local authorities are responsible for investigating these waste crimes and for taking appropriate enforcement action.
This 2-day legal training course is designed to provide Waste Enforcement professionals with a clear insight into the legal framework in which they work. Attendees will learn from qualified lawyers about their powers, the court system and the prosecution process. They will gain an understanding of governing legislation, how to collect evidence, prepare a file for the prosecution and how to present confident credible/reliable evidence in court. Attendees will also learn investigative interview techniques and experience a realistic investigative interview role play.
Why choose this course
This course provides waste enforcement staff with the knowledge, skills and expertise to carry out waste enforcement investigations including the following:
How to set up and run an investigation from start to finish.
Powers in accordance with the governing legislation.
Collecting evidence, documenting findings and presenting evidence in court.
Course syllabus
This training will enable you to:
- Demonstrate adequate knowledge of the practical application of the relevant waste legislation,
- Prepare files for prosecution to indictable level,
- Efficiently gather evidence including physical evidence and photographs,
- Conduct an interview under caution with due regard to Human Rights and Constitutional protections,
- Prepare statements and exhibits,
- Prepare a file for the Local Authority, solicitor or for the DPP,
- Confidently manage cases.
Key Learning Points
- Understand the role and responsibilities of a litter warden / waste enforcement professional,
- Fully understand how to implement waste environmental legislation,
- The Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992 and 2003 and the Waste Management Acts 1996 to 2003, The Litter Pollution Act 1997 to 2009, the Air Pollution Act 1987,
- Enforce ‘Producer Responsible’ Initiatives,
- Know and understand the powers of authorised persons and the scope of relevant offences,
- Draft clear and effective statutory notices, warning letters and investigation reports,
- Best practice in setting up an investigation,
- Understand an investigation log and how to keep one,
- Investigate complaints / suspected offences in compliance with the rules of evidence,
- Understand the types and rules of evidence,
- Interview witnesses and suspects effectively and in accordance with their legal and constitutional rights,
- Collection of evidence,
- Prepare a full and proper file for the prosecution of an offence in the criminal justice system either in the District Court (summary offences) or in the Circuit Court (indictable offences),
- Prosecution reports,
- Developing a consistent approach to enforcement and enforcement policy,
- Understand the court process – the do’s and don’ts,
- Confidence in appearing in court and giving evidence,
- Experience a realistic investigative interview role play.
Meet the trainer – Janet Dalton
Solicitor
Janet grew up in Belfast and won a scholarship to Cambridge where she graduated in 1986 with a degree in Philosophy. She went on to convert to Law and practiced as a criminal Solicitor in London for...
Read BioPractical training with small groups to ensure quality.
Our training sessions are not lectures—they're practical, interactive experiences. The small group format allows every attendee to ask questions, take part in discussions involving practical exercises and role-plays.
This method of training allows attendees to put the skills learned into practice immediately. Course participants benefit from the focused attention and guidance of an independent expert.
Waste Enforcement: Investigation & Prosecution
FAQs
Waste enforcement involves monitoring and enforcing compliance with waste management legislation, including investigating illegal dumping, unauthorised waste collection, and breaches of environmental regulations.
This course is designed for local authority environmental officers, waste enforcement officers, and staff involved in investigating and prosecuting waste-related offences in Ireland.
Waste enforcement is primarily governed by the Waste Management Acts 1996–2023 and related regulations, which set out obligations for waste handling, collection, and disposal.
Common offences include illegal dumping, unlicensed waste collection, improper disposal of hazardous waste, and failure to comply with waste permits or notices.
Key skills include evidence gathering, interviewing witnesses, surveillance techniques, report writing, and a strong understanding of environmental legislation.
Evidence may include photographs, witness statements, inspection reports, and documentation linking individuals or businesses to the offence, all prepared in accordance with legal standards.
The process typically involves investigation, evidence collection, issuing statutory notices, preparing case files, and presenting evidence in court.
Challenges include identifying offenders, ensuring evidence is admissible, dealing with organised illegal dumping, and navigating complex legal requirements.
Yes, the training includes preparing for court, presenting evidence, and understanding the roles and expectations within Irish legal proceedings.
Participants will gain practical skills in investigation and enforcement, improved understanding of waste legislation, and greater confidence in taking successful prosecutions.
