Litter Prevention

Although the District Council has a responsibility to keep highways and other land in its ownership clear of litter, owners of private land have responsibilities for the cleanliness of their land, and in some circumstances the surrounding areas.

Environmental Protection Act 1990

Section 93(1) – Street litter

If there is a litter problem created by particular kinds of commercial premises (e.g. takeaway restaurants, cinemas, banks/building societies, food and drink retailers, betting shops, service stations and lottery outlets etc), then the local authority has powers to  make Street Litter Notices to prevent the recurrence.

A local authority has powers to force businesses to clean the area in front of their premises, provide and empty bins and do anything else which may be necessary to remove litter. It is in your interest to  control the rubbish coming from your premises to avoid it becoming litter.

Section 47(2) – Commercial Waste Containers

Should waste created by commercial activity be inadequately contained, thus causing a litter problem, the local authority can specify the type and number of waste containers needed to contain the waste in order to avoid nuisance to others.

Section 90 (3) - Litter-Free Areas

If certain kinds of private land to which the public has access, such as shopping precincts or parades, industrial estates, supermarket car parks, etc are badly littered, the local authority can declare it a Litter Control Area. The owner or occupier of the land is then under a duty to clear the land and keep it free of litter.

Section 87 - Litter Thrown or Blown from a moving vehicle 

Throwing litter from vehicles or allowing unsecured material being carried on a lorry or pick-up to be blown onto public land are also littering offences.

If the registration number is reported the registered keeper's identity can be obtained from the Driver Vehicle and Licensing Agency which will allow the police or local authority to decide whether to take further action.

Substantial fines could result if these litter abatement provisions are contravened.

 

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