Local authority raises penalties for individuals caught dumping rubbish and littering

Fixed penalty notices for dumping rubbish illegally have increased from £400 to £600, while fines for dropping litter have doubled from £150 to £300. Penalties for failing in the Duty of Care regarding household waste have also gone up from £400 to £600.

These fines are commonly given to residents who use unlicensed waste carriers.

Councillor Sue Haworth, from Bolton Council, stated, “We are pleased with these fine increases, as they are meant to deter those who commit waste offences. Flytipping and littering are problems that plague our area, causing issues for residents and businesses, as well as costing the council to clean up the mess. We will continue our efforts to identify and hold accountable those responsible for waste offences.”

She added, “It’s not just about disposing of waste illegally yourself; you can face fines or prosecution if someone else dumps waste on your behalf. Always make sure to use a registered waste carrier when someone else is collecting your waste.”

Bolton Council is committed to environmental enforcement, with a dedicated team of officers focused on investigating violations. In the last six months, fines totalling £32,150 have been issued for waste offences, a significant increase from the previous year. The council aims to create a cleaner borough for all residents and workers to enjoy.