Students at all East Ayrshire high schools will face an £80 fine if caught throwing rubbish as part of a UK first.
But the penalty will be withdrawn if the child attends a supervised litter pick.
The scheme was signed off by councillors last week following a recent trial run at Galston secondary Loudoun Academy.
It was spearheaded at the school by Rubbish Party councillor Sally Cogley.
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She said: “East Ayrshire will be doing something that has never been done in the UK before. It has changed behaviour at Loudoun Academy.
“The litter in schools initiative is a no brainer and will make a difference. We have tried and tested it.”
The Irvine Valley politician insisted it would not criminalise children after concerns were voiced at a council meeting.
She proposed a motion at full council for four politicians to set up a cross party and ward group to tackle the problems of dog fouling, litter and fly tipping. They will be responsible for overseeing the roll-out of the fixed penalty litter scheme in all secondaries.
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Councillor Cogley said: “The focus and approach will be on education and prevention coupled with effective enforcement.”
Councillors agreed the motion at full council.
The meeting heard concerns about children being criminalised and the outcome if parents couldn’t pay the £80 fine.
“The aim is not to criminalise young people,” Councillor Cogley insisted.
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She pointed out how the fixed penalty notice would get cancelled if a child goes to a litter pick. Councillor Cogley explained that if the pupil doesn’t attend one, then the school would take other actions.
Councillor Jacqui Todd said she is worried kids could be excluded if they don’t comply.
The politicians who are to sit on the anti-litter group alongside Councillor Cogley are Annick Councillor Ellen Freel, Kilmarnock North Councillor Ian Grant and Kilmarnock East and Hurlford Councillor Barry Douglas.
Council leader Douglas Reid said: “It is about improving the quality of our environment. We need to get behind this.”
The motion said the aim of the cross-party group is to ensure “East Ayrshire Council continues to maximise the benefits of a cleaner and safer environment,” making it a “more attractive place to live learn work and visit.”
