Almost 50-thousand pounds worth of littering fines have been handed out across Wales.

That’s the findings of a report, analysed by waste experts at Panda, that revealed a total £47,190 worth of Fixed Penalty Notices were issued.

The latest data found 564 were given out in total, although some councils didn’t include their data, meaning figures could be much higher.

Out of these, 126 weren’t paid, that’s almost a quarter, with some cases being taken to court as a result.

Vale of Glamorgan Council dished out the most littering fines at 111, followed by Cardiff Council with 107, and Carmarthenshire County Council and Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council, with 88 each.

“Littering isn’t just a harmless act; it’s a visible sign of disregard for the places that we all share together. Every dropped wrapper or bottle doesn’t just spoil how an area looks, it sends a message that our environment is disposable, when it’s actually really fragile and worth protecting,” said recycling expert Colin Hayes from Panda.

“The dangers go far beyond aesthetics. Litter can injure wildlife, contaminate soil and waterways, and even create hazards for people too, from things like broken glass to blocked drains that increase flood risk. What’s thrown away in seconds can cause damage that lasts for years.

“Protecting our environment must be a joint effort. When individuals take responsibility for their own waste, communities become safer, cleaner and more resilient. Reducing litter isn’t just about enforcement, it’s about respect, awareness, and choosing to leave our surroundings better than the way we found them.”