Fixed Penalty Notices for littering
You can be given a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) if you drop litter and walk away after dropping it.
Litter includes cigarette butts and chewing gum.
It does not matter whether you volunteer to pick up the waste afterwards – you have committed an offence and will be given a FPN.
We don't have to put signs in streets or open spaces to tell you not to litter or that litter patrols are working in the area.
Cigarettes stubs
Smokers must fully extinguish cigarettes before putting them in the bin. Many bins have stubbing plates you can use. You may also choose to carry a portable 'butt pouch' or 'pocket ashtray'.
By law, cigarette waste is the same as other waste – you can be given a FPN for not disposing of cigarette stubs properly. Placing a cigarette stub down a drain or in a stream is a littering offence for which you will be given a FPN.
If you receive a FPN
If you receive a FPN, you must pay within 14 days. Go to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice.
If you believe the FPN was not issued correctly by law, go to challenge a Fixed Penalty Notice.