About 95% of cigarette filters are composed of cellulose acetate, a form of plastic which does not quickly degrade and can persist in the environment.(2) While cigarette litter may seem small, it adds up to a big impact on the places we live:

Challenging to a community’s quality of life.
Cigarette litter is unsightly. It accumulates in many places, gathering in corners, gutters, and outside doorways and bus shelters. Increasing amounts of litter in a business district and other signs of disorder create a sense that no one cares about the community.

Harmful to waterways and wildlife.
About 18% of litter, traveling primarily through storm water systems, ends up in local streams, rivers, and waterways. Cigarette litter can also poses a hazard to animals and marine life when they mistake filters for food.

Costly to residents and businesses.
Cigarette litter requires additional sidewalk and street sweeping, greenway and park maintenance, storm drain cleaning, and increased maintenance of storm water filters. Business owners also bear the expense of cigarette litter clean-up around their establishments including entrances, exits, and adjacent sidewalks and parking lots.

(2) Clean Virginia Waterways