Litterers will be hit with significantly increased on-the-spot fines as new laws take effect.

Environment Minister Bill Marmion said changes to litter regulations reinforced the State Government’s zero tolerance policy on potentially dangerous littering behaviour.

“Litter is not only unsightly, it can cause serious harm – a smouldering discarded cigarette could easily start a bushfire, especially in the current hot conditions,” he said.

A new category of offence, known as littering that creates a public risk, has been created and will attract onthe- spot fines of $500 for an individual and $2000 for a business.

The discarding of unlit cigarette butts will incur a $200 fine, up from $75.

The minister said littering fines could be issued by a range of authorised officers, including police and rangers, so the chance of being caught was high.