New fines confirmed
From September 1, 2026, anyone caught dropping litter in England will face a fine of £750, a 50% increase from the current level, according to the Environmental Offences (Fixed Penalties) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2026. The regulations were confirmed by the government on July 14 and announced on July 15.
Fly-tipping penalties quadruple
Those caught fly-tipping will face a £5,000 penalty, up from £1,000 previously. The government stated that the new fines would act as a "stronger deterrent and help reduce cases of littering and fly-tipping."
Government statement
In a statement, the government said local authorities would be able to hand down harsher penalties, reflecting "the real harm that waste criminals cause to the communities and environment that they ruthlessly disregard." Emma Reynolds MP, who was Environment Secretary when the changes were announced, said: "Fly-tipping and littering is a disgrace that blights local communities."
She added: "Under this government, criminals who break the rules will face heftier fines to clean up the mess they make. We are sending a clear message to those who dump their rubbish - we are coming after you and you will pay the price."
Local authority discretion
The government said local authorities would retain full discretion over the level of fine issued, with penalties scaled to reflect the severity of the offence. Councils can issue fines anywhere between the minimum and maximum thresholds, ensuring punishments remain proportionate, while the higher ceiling sends a clear signal that serious offenders will face serious consequences.
This legislation is the latest move under the government’s Waste Crime Action Plan, which sets out measures to stop waste criminals, from those dumping rubbish on high streets to operators running large illegal waste sites.
