Littering
What is litter?
- Waste in the wrong place caused by humans
- Anything dropped, thrown, deposited or left so as to cause
defacement in a public place.
Litter is usually something we don't want anymore: It
might be caused by something as small as a piece of chewing gum,
sweet paper or a cigarette butt, or as large as a carrier bag. It
can be one item or lots of things scattered around.
Litter is in the ‘wrong place’ if it isn’t in the bin or a
pocket or bag to take it home. Things dropped on the ground, left
behind on seats, stuffed into cracks in walls, thrown over fences
and into the road are all litter.
Leaves falling from a tree or branches left by a flooding river
would not be classed as litter because they are natural events.
However rubbish blowing about in the wind is litter because it
should have been disposed of properly by being tied up in bags or
put in bins with secure lids. Also a pile of hedge clippings left
in a lay-by is litter because it has not occurred naturally.
Types of litter
There are many different categories of litter – here are some of
the most common ones:
- Smoking-related litter - cigarette ends, matches, matchboxes,
lighters, cigarette packaging and cellophane
Confectionary-related litter sweet wrappers, crisp bags, lolly
sticks
- Drinks-related litter eg. cans, plastic and glass bottles,
straws, lids, polystyrene cups, cartons and pouches Fast food
packaging e.g. fish and chip wrappers, pizza boxes, burger
packaging, foil and polystyrene trays, plastic cutlery
Residents who are caught dropping litter could be liable for a
fine of £75, payable within 14 days. If paid within 10 days, an
entitlement to a discount applies and the fine will be reduced to
£50. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Clean
Neighbourhood and Environment Act 2005 the Council can serve
notices to anyone committing this offence in any place open to the
air. Refusing to pay could lead to prosecution, which if successful
could result in a fine of up to £2,500.
Please help us to protect the environment. If you know of areas
regularly littered by inconsiderate people please report it to
the Helpline on 01992 785577 or email on environment@broxbourne.gov.uk.
A report can also be made by visiting our one stop
shops All information will be treated in strict
confidence.