Laying Down the Law

So, we all know litter is a problem - what does the law say about who is responsible for keeping Ireland clean?

Public Places?

If you own or are responsible for a place to which the public has access, such as a school, community hall, public park or a bus station, you must keep it litter free.  It doesn't matter how the litter actually got there.

What About Private Property?

We are all responsible for keeping any outdoor area on our property that can be seen from a public place litter free.  This applies to both owners and occupiers.

Littered Areas

Where litter has accumulated on any land visible from a public place the Litter Control Office will issue notice to the owner or occupier of that land requiring the prompt removal of the litter.  Such notice will also advise on the best ways to prevent a reoccurrence.

If the owner or occupier is unwilling or unable to clean up the area, the Litter Control Office will do whatever is necessary and recoup costs from the offender.

Illegal Dumping

Where the identity of the owner of illegally dumped waste can be established that person will have a case to answer regardless of whether or not they were seen in the act of dumping.  The Litter Control Office has the authority to require a householder or business to indicate how they are disposing of their waste, particularly if they are not availing of a known service.  If you are not availing of the collection service you should bring your waste to one of the Council's waste disposal sites for final disposal.  Never allow your waste to be taken away if you are not sure it will be disposed of properly.

The Litter Control Office will take the strongest action possible against those who practice illegal dumping.

Major Events

Organisers of major events are required by the Litter Act to ensure that they have litter control measures in place at the venue and in the surrounding vicinity before, during and after the event.  This applies to all events that draw a large crowd.  Please contact the Litter Control Office for further details.

Mobile Food Outlets

Operators of mobile food outlets selling fast food or beverages, or other outlets such as those selling farm produce are obliged to provide suitable litter bins in the vicinity of their outlets.  Also, they must clean-up any litter arising from the operation of their outlets within a radius of 100 metres from their outlet.

Dog Fouling

Dog mess is both unpleasant and dangerous.  Dog owners must now remove their pets' waste from public places and dispose of it in a proper manner. This obligation applies to the following places:

• public roads and footpaths
• areas around shopping centres
• school/sports grounds
• beaches

Bill & Leaflet Posting

The placing of advertising leaflets on car windscreens is prohibited. The law also forbids the putting up of posters/signs on poles or on other structures in public places unless you have the written permission of the owner.  Please contact the Litter Control Office for details.

Refuse Collection

Bin day can be a huge source of litter.  Do not leave bags or boxes beside your wheel bin and only put out refuse for collection on the morning of the collection.  The longer it is left out, the more likely it is to attract unwanted attention.  Remember, it is an offence to dispose of your household refuse in street litter bins

Who Enforces the Litter Laws?

Waterford County Council is responsible for litter prevention and control and for enforcement of the litter laws.  The Gardaí also have the power to issue fines for litter offences.

The Council is responsible for keeping public places such as roads, clear of litter as far as is practicable.  This includes the arrangement of cleansing programmes and the provision and emptying of litter bins.