Litter is a problem throughout NSW, particularly in urban areas and the more populated areas of Sydney.  Litter is an environmental priority because it:

• Ruins the visual appeal of public places
• Can kill aquatic life  by washing into streams and waterways
• Can block drainage systems
• May be a fire hazard (lit cigarette butts)
• Can be dangerous to people (Broken glass, syringes etc)
• Costs the community money due to cleanup activities.

It is an offence to drop litter, place advertising under windscreen wipers or leave brochures lying around.

Council Rangers patrol known littering areas, such as Fast Food outlets, carparks and roads, as well as watch motorists who throw things from vehicles.  Penalty notices may be issued to the offender, or can be sent to the registered owner of a vehicle.

Littering is mainly caused by irresponsible behaviour.  It doesn't take much to put litter in the bin, or to take it with you if no bin is available.

The single most common litter item in Australia is the cigarette butt. Cigarette butts make up half of the litter in NSW. Other common litter items include small pieces of paper, chip and confectionary wrappers, fast food packaging, bottle caps, glass pieces, glass alcohol bottles, plastic straws and bottles.

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