Persons caught littering could be fined $50K

The Guyana Police Force and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have intensified efforts to tackle littering across the country, warning that persons found improperly disposing of waste could face fines of up to $50,000.

The joint initiative forms part of a wider government push to improve public health, environmental standards and national pride through stricter enforcement of anti-littering laws.

Under the Anti-Littering Regulations, individuals can be fined up to $50,000 for littering offences, while businesses face penalties of up to $100,000.

Authorities are encouraging citizens to play their part in keeping communities clean by using public bins and disposing of waste properly.

Persons are also being urged to keep litter in their vehicles or bags until a bin is available, avoid dumping garbage along roadways, in drains, waterways and public spaces, reduce the use of single-use items, and ensure their waste is properly secured.

In enforcing the regulations, EPA Executive Director Kemraj Parsram, in a recent interview with the News Room, said the aim is to change the culture so citizens take responsibility for their actions.

“We are trying to educate and help people understand that they need to change their behaviour, but there is only so much we can do. After that, it’s enforcement,” he said.

The EPA is also promoting its “Clean 592” web-based reporting application, which allows members of the public to submit photos and videos of persons littering.

The app enables reports to be submitted in real time, allowing the agency to quickly launch investigations and take enforcement action.

As enforcement continues, the government is moving to strengthen existing legislation to better address widespread littering. Proposed amendments are expected to introduce tougher penalties for offenders and support a more aggressive enforcement approach.

Parsram told the News Room that the litter prevention regulations came into effect in 2013.

“The regulations speak to what constitutes litter. You can throw sand, water, dirt, plastic or paper; it is the act of littering that is important.

“So once you do that, and it is not where it is supposed to be, then you are liable to the penalties outlined in those regulations,” he said.

Parsram said the EPA is now working with communities by providing training to Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) so they can become honorary litter wardens.

“The EPA alone can’t do this. The NDCs, Police and other agencies are, by law, authorities that can enforce these regulations,” he said.

Authorities are also examining mechanisms to ensure offenders are more consistently identified and prosecuted.