If one of our authorised officers has witnessed you committing a littering offence on a public highway you will be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) under Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
The Act states that a person is guilty of an offence if he throws down, drops or otherwise deposits any litter in any place which is open to the air whether on land or in water unless the public do not have access to it, with or without payment.
Litter includes materials often associated with smoking, eating and drinking, including cigarette butts and chewing gum. This includes residential fly-tipping.
We aim to reduce the level of littering by providing litter education in several ways and by raising awareness across the borough of the consequences of unlawful littering. If offenders are witnessed committing an offence a FPN will be issued.
If you are issued with an FPN you have 14 days from the date of issue to pay the fine (£100). However, if you pay within 10 days you will pay a reduced rate (£80). Fines can be paid by cheque or cash at the Post Office, or by making a telephone or online payment.
If you do not pay with 14 days a summons will be issued against you and the case will be heard in the Magistrates’ Court. Should you be convicted you will receive a fine of up to £2,500 and ordered to pay the costs of prosecution.
To discuss your business waste requirements you can either contact a commercial waste carrier or contact our business waste and recycling team.