Littering laws in Australia don’t give exceptions for banana peels or apple cores. These laws apply to all states and territories. Leaving biodegradable waste on the roads is still littering and can lead to a fine. Endangering the health and safety of Australia and its roads is no small matter.
Why is it littering?
Simply put, tossed apple cores and banana peels are litter and are legally classified as such. Some states in Australia, such as Queensland and South Australia treat any waste, regardless of its litter status, as litter. Thus, the laws are meant to help avoid the potential roadside waste and any dangerously distracted wildlife.
While varying by state, there are no lenient littering laws in Australia. Up in Queensland, the general littering fine is $333 and it simply does not matter whether it is overlapping with the biodegradable fruit waste. South Australia imposes a $289 fine, in addition to a victim’s levy, and local councils are allowed to fine $210 on the spot. Littering vehicle fines are even higher in Western Australia, with the Litter Act allowing fines of $500, with higher fines for illegal littering and more severe cases.
State/Territory Penalty for Littering Special Notes
| State/Territory | Penalty for Littering | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Queensland | $333 | Applies to all litter |
| South Australia | $289 + Levy | Council fines from $210 |
| Western Australia | Up to $1,000 | Registered owner responsible |
Safety and Environmental Concerns
Roadside composting of fruit waste is even more unsightly for long periods of time than private composting. It attracts dangerous wildlife and roadside litter is a distraction to drivers. It can also endanger rare native species. Roadside composting can cause wildlife to crash.
Responsibility for Offences
Litter and waste fines cannot simply be passed down to the driver if litter is thrown from a car. If the cleaner of the car is not identified, the vehicle’s registered owner is liable for the fine. It enforces collective punishment, discouraging littering of any kind from cars.
What You Should Do Instead
Keep litter, even left over food, in the vehicle until it can be properly disposed of it in a bin. Drivers can protect the roadside, avoid littering fines, and fines by keeping a small bag in the vehicle for waste. In some states, you can even report littering, and it is encouraged to help keep the roads safe and clean in Australia.
Conclusion
In Australia, you can get fined for throwing out apple cores or banana peels, even if they are organic, out of the car window. Such actions could be considered littering, and could get you fined. The fines are there to help protect the environment and keep the roads safe.
FAQs
Q1: Are the fines the same for throwing organic waste out of a window as any other waste?
Yes, throwing organic waste is considered littering, and is illegal in every state.
Q2: What are the fines associated with throwing waste out a window?
In each state, the fines can be anywhere from $210 to $1,000 depending on the specific offence.
Q3: If the litterer is not identified, who gets fined?
The owner of the vehicle will get the fine.
