Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 introduces strict controls for Local Authorities (LAs) to deal with litter. Under these provisions each authority has a duty to keep open land and roads and highways clean. The standard of cleanliness is defined in the Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse. However, the authority may also take action to ensure that land is kept free from litter. It is council policy to issue fines to anyone aged 10 or over. Where patrols are focused near schools, officers will usually try and undertake awareness raising work with the school first.
The Council is working closely with Greater Manchester Police and in addition to Enforcement Officers of the Council taking enforcement action, Police Community Support Officers are able to issue fixed penalty notices.
Currently, Enforcement Officers of the Environmental Action Unit or Police Community Support Officers may issue a £80 fixed penalty notice to people who leave litter. Failure to pay the penalty leaves the offender liable to prosecution with a maximum fine of £2,500.
Street litter control notices are used when there is a long standing litter problem arising outside premises which are associated with the problem, for example smoking litter. The Council, through this procedure, can require the premises to provide and empty litter bins and to clean the area at certain intervals. Fixed Penalty Notices can be issued where premises do not comply with Street Litter Control Notices.
These notices are presently used by the Environmental Services Directorate.
To report a problem or to request further information related to litter, please use the 'Report a Problem' form or telephone 'Contact Oldham' on 0161 770 6644.