Fly-tipping offences in Scotland are now punishable by on-the-spot fines of £500 as new regulations come into force.
The new £500 fine is more than double previous maximum of £200.
Ministers pledged to increase the penalties in the Scottish government’s Litter and Fly-tipping Strategy and Action Plan, which was published in June 2023 and outlined plans to drive behaviour change, improve infrastructure and strengthen enforcement.
Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said: “Scotland is a beautiful country and we all have a responsibility to keep it that way.
“We make no apologies for taking bold action on tackling litter and fly-tipping, which is a blight on our streets, communities and countryside, as well as threatening our natural environment and wildlife.
“Our vision is for a future where Scotland’s environment and communities are not blighted by litter and fly-tipping, and materials remain within a circular economy. Supporting behaviour change and strengthening enforcement are two key themes of the Strategy.
“I’m very pleased that we have been able to deliver on this commitment and I look forward to further measures to strengthen enforcement which will be taken forward through our Circular Economy Bill this year.”
The bill is currently the subject of stage one scrutiny in the Scottish Parliament.
It includes specific provisions to tackle litter and fly-tipping: a new penalty regime to address littering from vehicles, powers to seize vehicles involved in specified waste crime, and strengthening household duty of care responsibilities in relation to household waste in order to help prevent fly-tipping.
The Circular Economy Bill will also establish the legislative framework to support Scotland’s transition to a zero waste and circular economy, significantly increase reuse and recycling rates, and modernise and improve waste and recycling services, the government said.
