Police handed out just 12 fixed penalties in the Greater Glasgow area for littering last year.
This comes after a Freedom of Information request revealed that only 42 penalties were dished out for the crime across Scotland between January 1 and December 23, with Greater Glasgow officers issuing the most.
In Lanarkshire eight were handed out whilst the Renfrewshire and Inverclyde area only received two.
READ MORE: Cabbie desperate to help in emotional video after passengers 'bare their souls'
None were issued by officers in the country's capital, Edinburgh.
Since April 2014 those who are caught throwing their rubbish on the ground could be hit with a fixed penalty of £80.
Police, local authorities and public bodies including Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park all have the power to issue the penalties.
A person could face a fine of up to £2,500 if their case ends up going to court.
Friends of the Earth Scotland Circular Economy Campaigner, Kim Pratt, said: “Not enough is being done to prevent littering - it costs £46 million every year to clean up litter and fly tipped rubbish in Scotland.
"Ensuring rubbish is not created in the first place is the best way to prevent littering. The Scottish Government must require businesses to reduce packaging on their products and local government need to provide the right services to ensure our waste is recycled or properly disposed of instead.
"This is all part of creating a circular economy in Scotland, where we value the materials used in our economy, rather than throw them away after a single use.”
A Zero Waste Scotland spokesperson added: “Littering is a blight on communities across Scotland, and prevention is the key to tackling it.
“Fortunately, Scotland is taking positive steps to address this issue with its ban on many single-use items and forthcoming deposit return scheme – both of which should result in less litter in our streets and green spaces.
“Nevertheless, we all still have a responsibility to ensure we bin our litter or take it home, which will protect our environment and benefit everyone.”
READ NEXT:
Glasgow mum struck with terminal cancer after seeing doctor for sore neck
'Wealthy' Glasgow businessman bankrupt after failing to repay £400,00 loan from nephew
13-year-old injured in attack 'for no reason' by grown man on Great Western Road
Glasgow carer shared Snapchat picture of sleeping pensioner for a laugh with pals
Mum's 'devastating loss' after 4-year-old with headaches dies from brain tumour
