Statutory guidance

Litter enforcement powers: when and how to use them

Guidance for local authorities on the consistent use of their litter enforcement powers.

From:
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Published
3 March 2026

Applies to England

Documents

Litter enforcement powers - when and how to use them

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-6248-2

HTML

Details

This guidance is issued under section 88B of the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990.

All litter authorities in England must consider this guidance when using their enforcement powers under or connected to sections 87 to 88A or schedule 3A of the EPA 1990.

It covers best-practice for issuing:  

  • fixed penalty notices (FPN) for littering  
  • FPNs for the unauthorised distribution of free printed materials 
  • civil penalties for littering from vehicles

Updates to this page

Published 3 March 2026

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