Eight members of the conservative Independence Party have introduced a bill clean up Iceland by raising the fine on littering. According to the bill the minimum fine for leaving trash in the Central Highlands or along public roads would be raised to 100,000 ISK (780 USD/700 EUR).
Currently littering carries no fine
The main author of the bill, Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson, tells Iceland Insider Icelandic law currently lacks penalties for littering. “When I wrote the bill I could not find any clear statutes which penalized people for littering in Icelandic nature. Littering in Iceland does not come with a fine.”
Related: Hikers leave a trail of toilet paper
Guðlaugur argues this has to be remedied. The legislature needs to send a clear signal it is not ok to leave trash. “You don‘t need much trash and litter to really blemish the landscape and ruin travellers experience, especially in the highlands. Just one juice chocolate milk carton lying can significantly reduce the enjoyment of the scenery.“
Fines can help change behavior
Heavy fines for littering can change people‘s behaviour, Guðlaugur argues, pointing out fines for littering are common in other countries. “You see this for example along highways in the US, where you have signs reminding travellers that littering is illegal and carries a heavy fine. It seems to work there, and there is no reason not to think it would work here.”
Guðlaugur originally introduced the bill during the last legislative session, but it did not reach the floor. However he is optimistic the bill will pass parliament and become law. “The bill has broad support, especially among the public. Which is of course very important, as this is really about changing people‘s attitudes.”
Eight members of the conservative Independence Party have introduced a bill clean up Iceland by raising the fine on littering. According to the bill the minimum fine for leaving trash in the Central Highlands or along public roads would be raised to 100,000 ISK (780 USD/700 EUR).
Currently littering carries no fine
The main author of the bill, Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson, tells Iceland Insider Icelandic law currently lacks penalties for littering. “When I wrote the bill I could not find any clear statutes which penalized people for littering in Icelandic nature. Littering in Iceland does not come with a fine.”
Related: Hikers leave a trail of toilet paper
Guðlaugur argues this has to be remedied. The legislature needs to send a clear signal it is not ok to leave trash. “You don‘t need much trash and litter to really blemish the landscape and ruin travellers experience, especially in the highlands. Just one juice chocolate milk carton lying can significantly reduce the enjoyment of the scenery.“
Fines can help change behavior
Heavy fines for littering can change people‘s behaviour, Guðlaugur argues, pointing out fines for littering are common in other countries. “You see this for example along highways in the US, where you have signs reminding travellers that littering is illegal and carries a heavy fine. It seems to work there, and there is no reason not to think it would work here.”
Guðlaugur originally introduced the bill during the last legislative session, but it did not reach the floor. However he is optimistic the bill will pass parliament and become law. “The bill has broad support, especially among the public. Which is of course very important, as this is really about changing people‘s attitudes.”
