The anatomy of enforcement: a comparative analysis of waste crime investigations

Waste crime-including illegal dumping, trafficking, and improper waste management-poses serious risks to environmental sustainability and public health. Despite its links to organized and financial crime, investigative practices remain under-researched. This study addresses this gap by analysing twenty judicial cases from Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the UK. Through comparative content analysis, the research identifies key investigative practices, recurring challenges, and inter-jurisdictional differences. While forensic sampling and site inspections are common, approaches to proactive policing and multi-agency coordination vary. Limited resources, delayed enforcement, and weak transnational cooperation further hinder effectiveness. The study underscores the value of intelligence-led strategies and proactive investigation tools in disrupting waste crimes. It also highlights the untapped potential of technologies such as drones and satellite imagery in improving evidence collection. By identifying best practices and procedural gaps, the study contributes to the development of more effective, standardized, and collaborative approaches to investigating waste crime globally.