Litter is any rubbish which has been carelessly thrown on  the ground rather than placed in a bin. So next time you drop your crisp bag, leave your cigarette butt on the footpath or toss away that street wrapper you are littering.

The Litter Pollution Act defines litter as "a substance or object that when deposited in a place other than a litter receptacle is likely to become unsightly, deleterious, nauseous or unsanitary".

Always remember to Put Litter in It's Place!!

Each Local Authority employs litter wardens which act on behalf of the Local Authority. Litter fines may be imposed by Litter Wardens or by a member of the Gardai. Fines for littering offences  can range from €150 to € 3000.

If littering occurs in your area, you should report the offence to the relevant Local Authority. Click on your region below to find out more about your area:

- Leinster

- Munster

- Connaught

- Ulster

To download a complete set of guidelines on how to make environmental complaints  to the relevant authorities in your region....click here