Litter Control

Litter and the law:

The Litter Pollution Act 1997 (as amended) gives Galway County Council powers to prevent and control the problem of litter and fly tipping in our County.

The definition of litter is quite broad and extends beyond small items of waste which are inappropriately discarded such as small pieces of paper or cigarette ends, to larger items, graffiti, unauthorised signage, and any other item that is likely to become unsightly.     Some of the matters covered in the governing legislation are:

• Public Places - Owners or people responsible for public areas must keep the area litter free.
• Private Property – Any area on your property that is visible from a public place must be kept free of litter.
• Litter Black Spots – the Council can issue notices to an owner/occupier for the removal of litter that has accumulated on their land and take action against them if the notice is not complied with.
• Illegal dumping – It is an offence to illegally dump your waste or give your waste to a collector who does not have a valid waste permit.   If you see someone dumping illegally, you should report the matter to us for investigation and enforcement action.
• Major Events – Promoters or organisers of major events are required to ensure litter control measures are in place at the venue and in the surrounding vicinity before and after the event.
• Mobile Food Outlets – Operators must provide litter bins and clean up any litter arising within 100 metres of their outlets.
• Posters and Signs - it is illegal to put up posters or signs on poles or other structures in public places without the owner’s permission.
• Advertising Flyers - distributing advertising leaflets on car windscreens is prohibited.   You must check with local authorities for any local litter restrictions before street distribution.
• Refuse Presentation: Proper refuse presentation is essential to prevent litter, and your refuse should only be put out for collection the morning of the collection day. 

Enforcement: 

Leaving or throwing litter in a public place or in any place that is visible from a public place is an offence under the Litter Pollution Act 1997 as amended.   Anyone identified as doing so will be subject to an on-the-spot litter fine of €150.   If the fine is not paid within 21 days, Galway County Council can take legal action through the courts system, where the maximum fine is €4,000 in court in addition to any expenses incurred by the Council in taking the case.