Waste Issues

Litter is an eyesore to everyone, young or old. It costs taxpayers in England and Wales over £450 million to clear up more than 30 million tonnes of litter.

In Cannock Chase the most common types of litter found in neighbourhoods include smoking related litter, followed by fast food related litter, confectionery and drinks related litter - alarmingly drugs related litter is becoming more and more common too. It is not surprising therefore that litter is one of the main reasons as to why Britain has a rat population of over 60 million and any person is no more than 10 metres from a rat at any one time.

It is because of these and many other reasons that Cannock Chase Council together with other Local Authorities through England and Wales have decided to get tough on litter and the louts who drop litter.


Litter and the Law

By virtue of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 the Cannock Chase Council can prosecute litter offenders or alternatively serve a £75 on the spot fine. Police Community Support Officers and Council Enforcement Officers are out on the streets armed with the fixed penalty fines, so if you drop litter, beware!


Litter Enforcement FAQ's

Q. Why is the council enforcing littering penalties?

A. We want to encourage local people not to drop litter and instead help keep the environment clean. We want to achieve a litter free district.

Q. What are the penalties?

A. Authorised officers can issue fixed penalty notices of £75 for littering offences. Failure to pay may result in a prosecution before the Magistrate Court where the maximum fine is currently £2,500.

Q. Where can offenders get fined?

A. Any public place including:
Recreation Areas
Roads
Pavements
Land belonging to hospitals, schools and colleges
Car Parks
...Almost anywhere!

We intend to pay particular attention to areas where there have been littering problems in the past, including routes to and from schools, outside shops and similar litter 'hotspots'.

Q. Do offenders have to pay the fine on the spot?

A. No, the offender will have 14 days to pay the fixed penalty fine.

Q. What happens if the offender refuses to pay the fine?

A. Court action will be initiated, which can lead to a fine of up to £2,500.

Q. What happens if there isn't a litter bin nearby?

A. If there isn't a litter bin handy, please be responsible and take your litter home with you. The presence or not of a litter bin does not excuse you from dropping litter.