The most common types of litter regularly cleared from public land by the Council is food packaging, drinks cans, chewing gum, bottles, paper, cigarette and cigars stubs.
Littering Is A Criminal Offence
It is a criminal offence to throw down, drop or otherwise deposit and leave any materials associated with smoking, drinking, eating or anything else in the open air. The ‘open air’ is defined as all places open to the air on at least one side and includes private land and land covered by water.
The litter does not need to contribute to or cause defacement of a place for an offence to have been committed. The actual act of throwing down, dropping or otherwise depositing and leaving is the offence.
Impacts and Effects of Litter
The presence of litter degrades neighbourhoods, the countryside, inland and coastal water environments. Food and drink litter, in particular, attracts vermin and other scavengers which pose a risk to public health. Most types of litter pose a degree of risk to wildlife. Perception of crime is likely to increase in areas where litter is present.
Fines and Penalties
Any person convicted of a litter offence in a Magistrates Court may be fined up to £2,500.
Authorised Council Officers are able to issue a fixed penalty notice as an alternative to prosecution in appropriate circumstances. The current fixed penalty for a litter offence within Bassetlaw is £100 to be paid within 14 days. Please note: There is no reduced fee for early payment.
Last Updated on Monday, March 6, 2023