Littering in Western Australia is an offence under the Litter Act 1979.
Fines for littering are defined in the Litter Regulations 1981.
The Litter Act 1979 allows for KABC, local government, police and authorised officers to take action against those who litter. This action can be in the form of 'on-the-spot fines', or as reports submitted to KABC which may result in fines being issued to the offenders.
Not paying your fine can lead to court action or the fine being referred to the Fines Enforcement Registry who has the power to suspend your drivers licences until the fine is paid.
For more information, go to frequently asked questions about litter infringements.
What is littering?
Littering is the improper disposal of any waste products on land or water. It can happen by mistake or on purpose.
Fines for littering
| Offence | Penalty- Individual | Penalty- Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| Littering – cigarette butt | $200 | $500 |
| Littering- general | $200 | $500 |
| Bill Posting | $200 | $500 |
| Bill posting on a vehicle | $200 | $500 |
| Depositing domestic or commercial waste in a public receptacle | $200 | $500 |
| Transporting load inadequately secured | $200 | N/A |
| Littering that creates a public risk* | $500 | $2,000 |
* Examples include: Breaking glass, metal or earthenware, littering of car bodies and car parts, batteries, hazardous chemicals or medicines, fridges and freezers with doors attached, tyres, lit cigarettes and syringes.
The maximum penalties for littering offences are $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for corporations.
Illegal dumping may be prosecuted under the Environmental Protection Act 1986, carrying a maximum penalty of $62,500 (individuals) and $125,000 (corporate bodies).
Information for vehicle owners
In cases of littering from vehicles, where neither the litterer nor the driver of the vehicle can be identified, the person responsible for the vehicle (usually the registered owner) will be deemed to have committed the offence and will have to pay the fine unless they can identify the offender.
How can I be fined for littering?
In Western Australia littering infringements can be issued by authorised officers, including:
- Police officers
- Local government rangers
- Other officers employed by government departments that oversee the protection of the environment and waterways.
KABC can issue infringements in response to litter reports submitted by community members who are registered litter reporters.
Find out more about the Litter Reporter Scheme.
