Only three litter fines handed out by Powys

Powys County Council has admitted it “does become very diffuclt” to catch the litter louts and fly tippers after it was revealed just three fines were issued in a recent one-year period.

The findings of a report, analysed by waste experts at Panda, revealed that a total of £47,190 worth of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) were issued across the whole of Wales, but just three, that brought in £225 of fines, were issued in Powys.

The latest data found 564 were given out between April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024, although some councils didn’t include their data, meaning figures could be much higher.

Out of these, 126 weren’t paid, almost a quarter, with some cases being taken to court as a result.

A spokesperson for Powys County Council explained the problems they face in trying to catch the culprits.

“To issue an FPN for littering there must be clear evidence, such as being caught in the act or captured on CCTV,” said a spokesperson.

“In a rural county the size of Powys, that does become very difficult. Our Waste Awareness and Enforcement Team work with communities across the county to tackle litter problems and combat waste crime, such as fly tipping.

“All incidents of fly tipping are investigated, with FPNs issued where possible.”

Vale of Glamorgan Council dished out the most littering fines at 111, followed by Cardiff Council with 107, and Carmarthenshire County Council and Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council, with 88 each.

“Littering isn’t just a harmless act; it’s a visible sign of disregard for the places that we all share together. Every dropped wrapper or bottle doesn’t just spoil how an area looks, it sends a message that our environment is disposable, when it’s actually really fragile and worth protecting,” said recycling expert Colin Hayes from Panda.

“The dangers go far beyond aesthetics. Litter can injure wildlife, contaminate soil and waterways, and even create hazards for people too, from things like broken glass to blocked drains that increase flood risk. What’s thrown away in seconds can cause damage that lasts for years.

“Protecting our environment must be a joint effort. When individuals take responsibility for their own waste, communities become safer, cleaner and more resilient. Reducing litter isn’t just about enforcement, it’s about respect, awareness, and choosing to leave our surroundings better than the way we found them.”