Fines for littering are about to increase.

Dropping rubbish in Christchurch will now attract a fine as high as $400.

The maximum infringement fee for littering has remained unchanged at $100 since 1991, but the Christchurch City Council decided on Thursday to introduce a new graduated scale depending on the amount and type of rubbish dumped.

The new regime was expected to bring in revenue of about $10,000 annually, despite the council not issuing any litter infringement notices in the last few years.

A council staff report said a change of personnel was the reason why no fines had been issued in the past few years, but this was expected to change.

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The proposed fines could present a greater deterrent to littering, and less littering would lead to an improved city and natural environment, the report said.

"It's anticipated the use of these infringements will also act as a deterrent to the community as those identified as inappropriately disposing of litter will be held accountable."

People dropping cigarette butts, cans and takeaway containers (less than 1 litre) could face a $100 fine.

The dumping of larger containers (from one to 20 litres), including a supermarket shopping bag of rubbish, could attract a $200 fine, while car tyres and boxes of rubbish (20 to 120 litres) could be fined $300.

More than 120 litres of litter – including lounge chairs, car parts, green waste, and offensive and hazardous waste including disposable nappies, animal remains and medicines – could face the highest fine of $400.

Other councils including Selwyn, Ashburton, Wellington and Auckland had adopted similar litter fee structures.

The council received 164 litter complaints in the 13 months to May 2015 and 181 complaints the previous year.

It was not yet known when the new fines would come into effect as the council needed to give at least 14 days notice through public advertising.