Litter Penalties

Find out the penalties for littering and dumping rubbish in Lower Hutt.

Littering

Littering is illegal in Hutt City.  If you get caught littering, you'll have to pay a fine.

If you find litter or see illegal dumping, contact us on 04 570 6666 or log it online.

Report a problem

We can issue rubbish dumping and littering fines for:

  • dumping rubbish illegally
  • throwing litter from vehicles
  • material falling off trailers.

You have 28 days to pay your fine.

Type of littering2024-2025 Fee2025-2026 Fee
Minor littering

Including but not limited to:
  • cigarette butts
  • wrappers/paper
  • chewing gum
  • small amount of food wast
  • take-away food/drink containers
  • fish and chip papers
  • plastic drink bottle(s) and aluminium can(s)
  • domestic/commercial waste in, or by, public litter bins
  • single small bag of refuse
$100.00 $100.00
Medium littering

Including but not limited to:
  • multiple small bags, one to three large bags or boxes of refuse
  • small furniture items
  • small amounts of discard due to an insecure load from truck or trailer
$200.00 $200.00
Major littering

Including but not limited to:
  • any large volume of household/commercial/ green waste
  • car parts
  • large furniture items
  • four or more large rubbish bags
  • hazardous rubbish such as used nappies, needles, sanitary pads, broken glass, wood with nails and sharp metals.
$400.00$400.00

Note: These are the proposed fees and charges for 2025-26, based on in-principle decisions made by Council on the 4th of June 2025. These fees and charges will be confirmed when the Annual Plan is adopted on the 30th of June 2025 and will take effect from the 1st of July 2025. They may be subject to change before the 30th of June 2025

For more information

Litter Act 1979