More than 30 city centre traders have been reprimanded for putting their rubbish out at the wrong times.
Following a series of early morning inspections last month to check rubbish was being put out at agreed times, Bath and North East Somerset Council has sent 36 businesses final warning letters about ignoring rules on trade waste.
The authority has also sent four legal notices to companies which ignored the final notices, four fixed penalty notices of £100 for breaches of legislation, and officers are preparing to prosecute two businesses.
Cabinet member for neighbourhoods, Councillor David Dixon (Lib Dem, Oldfield), said the people of Bath wanted clean streets.
He said: "A business putting out their trade waste at the wrong time undermines the community's efforts to achieve this.
"Litter and food lying around become instant targets for animals such as gulls scavenging for food or people looking to cause mischief, and the torn open bags have to be cleaned up by our cleansing operatives.
"The council has been really clear to businesses about the expectations of the community. Ignoring us will result in being hit in the pocket or taken to court.
"The message is simple – put your trade waste out at the agreed times."
Traders can find out more about the council's trade waste enforcement arrangements by contacting Council Connect via councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk or 01225 394041.