National Litter Pollution Monitoring System (NLPMS)

The National Litter Pollution Monitoring System (NLPMS) is an innovative method developed by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) and TOBIN Consulting Engineers to enable local authorities to manage litter pollution in a systematic, structured manner. The information gathered provides essential data to facilitate decision making in relation to litter management at local, regional and national levels. Using a specially designed Geographic Information System (GIS) application, each local authority's functional area is mapped and then surveyed annually using Litter Pollution Surveys and Litter Quantification Surveys. The data produced by the System allows local authorities to gauge:

• the extent and severity of litter pollution in their functional area
• the types, most likely sources and causes of litter
• the changes in litter levels from location to location and over time
• the location of litter blackspots, and
• the impact of new anti-litter measures

The NLPMS is an environmental management tool that enables local authorities to tackle litter more effectively, by providing a framework for consistent and accurate self-assessment by local authorities. The guiding principle is, "if you can measure the litter problem, then you can manage it". The system's Monitoring Manual contains detailed information for local authorities on carrying out surveys.

The purpose of the Monitoring Manual is to describe the surveying responsibilities of local authorities under the National Litter Pollution Monitoring System. It details the methodology to be used by local authorities in implementing the National Litter Pollution Monitoring System and the rationale behind that methodology.

You can download the Monitoring Manual below.

System Results

Survey Forms, Databases and Photographs

System Summary