Litter can include any waste such as cigarettes ends, chewing gum, cans, bottles, paper, plastic, food and drink containers or wrapping, left over food, and flyers.
If you see litter in the District, please report it to us using our online littering form, 24/7 at your convenience.
What action can the council take?
The council has a zero tolerance approach to littering and will issue an £150 penalty notice (reduced to £100 if paid within 10 days) to anyone witnessed littering. The fixed penalty is an alternative to being taken to court. Even if the person picks up the litter, they will still be issued with a fixed penalty notice if it is clear their intention was to leave it.
If there is no bin available or littering signage nearby this is not an excuse to litter and the person will still receive a fixed penalty notice.
If a person gives false details or refuses to cooperate then the matter will be referred directly to the magistrate’s court. Environmental Health enforcement officers are equipped with body cameras and will record the issuing of fixed penalty notices.
Environmental Health enforcement officers may also take action on business and landowners who fail to clear littering from their land or premises.