Litter Act 1979

Introduction

You could also call this:

"Keeping Communities Clean and Beautiful"

This law is about reducing and controlling litter. You will learn how to keep your community clean. The goal is to make a better place for everyone.

The law wants to stop people from throwing rubbish on the ground. You can help by putting your trash in the bin. This will make your neighbourhood look nicer and be healthier.

You can make a difference by following the rules. The law is in place to protect the environment. By working together, you can keep your community clean and beautiful.

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This page was last updated on 19 May 2025

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM33081.

Highlights from this law

15: Deposit of litter in public place or on private land

Don't throw rubbish in public or on private land without permission or you might get fined.

5: Litter Control Officers

People chosen to help keep areas clean and tidy are called Litter Control Officers

9: Receptacles to be provided in public places

Public places must have enough litter bins to keep them clean and free from rubbish.

10: Territorial authority may require occupier of private land to clear litter

Council can ask you to clean up litter on your private land

14: Infringement notices

What happens if you get a fine for littering: infringement notices

16: Wilful breaking of bottles or glass

Breaking bottles or glass in public or private places without permission is against the law

20: Offender may be ordered to clear area

If you litter, you might have to clean it up under supervision or face a fine.

7: Powers and duties of Officers

What Litter Control Officers can and must do to stop littering

Topics:

Environment and resources > Conservation

1: Short Title, or

"The name of this law is the Litter Act 1979."

Litter Act 1979

Reprint as at:: 2025-04-05
Assent:: 1979-11-02
Commencement:: 2 November 1979

The Parliamentary Counsel Office has made editorial and format changes to this version using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019.

Note 4 at the end of this version provides a list of the amendments included in it.

This Act is administered by the Ministry for the Environment.

An Act to make better provision for the abatement and control of litter