Anyone caught dropping litter in England will face a stiffer penalty when new legislation comes into force in a fortnight. The Environmental Offences (Fixed Penalties) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2026 were confirmed by Sir Keir Starmer's government on July 14 and will take effect on September 1, 2026.

Unveiled by the Government on July 15, it stated that offenders would face tougher on-the-spot fines. Those caught littering on the streets will see their fine rise by 50% to £750, while those found fly-tipping will face a £5,000 penalty - up from £1,000 previously.

The Government stated that the revised fines would serve as a "stronger deterrent and help reduce cases of littering and fly-tipping. Local authorities will 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 held the position of Environment Secretary when the changes were announced, said: "Fly-tipping and littering is a disgrace that blights local communities.

"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."

The Government said that local authorities would maintain complete discretion over the level of penalty imposed, with fines adjusted to reflect the seriousness of the offence. Councils can issue penalties anywhere between the minimum and maximum limits, ensuring that punishments remain appropriate, while the higher ceiling delivers a clear message that serious offenders will face serious consequences.

This legislation represents the latest step under the government's Waste Crime Action Plan. The plan outlines a series of measures to tackle waste criminals, from those fly-tipping rubbish on high streets to operators running large illegal waste sites.