Kick-off cigarette litter prevention program
Create a launch timetable to coordinate announcement of scan results, public education, installation of ash receptacles, and distribution of pocket ashtrays and/or portable auto ashtrays. Program roll out is best if these activities are more simultaneous than sequential. As a guide, use this scheduling resource.
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Roll out the media. Start print, radio, TV, or other ads. Announce scan results and program kick-off. Make some noise about new ash receptacles and where smokers can get a pocket ashtray or portable auto ashtray. Need help? Try these resources: |
- Proclaim the city’s fight to stop cigarette littering. Here’s a model proclamation.
- Engage local media. Start with a news release. And consider a recurring spot on a local morning radio show.
- Show and tell residents about the cigarette litter problem with print ads (1, 2, 3) and photos.
- Get public education fliers in the hands of tourists, beach goers and boat owners, businesses owners, drivers on local and highways and roads, and residents.
- Order “Don’t Litter Cigarette Butts” bumper stickers and shirts, or download this graphic to create your own. Place cigarette butt litter prevention messages on pens, coasters, or window clings for use at bars and restaurants, hotels, retail businesses, or public gatherings.
- Create banners with your campaign message, and move them to different locations to support campaign activities, such as along roadways, parks, or local community events.
- For PSA inspiration, check out this model from Kingsport, TN.
Place ash receptacles at targeted transition points. Time installation to news release announcing program launch, proclamation, scan results, or other public education. Get a list of ash receptacle manufacturers and distributors here. For public education, download a graphic to place on ash receptacles
Hand out pocket ashtrays and/or portable auto ashtrays.. Organize adult volunteers to distribute portable ashtrays at retail locations, special events, beaches, parks or green spaces in the program area. Target places where the cigarette butt litter scan turned up a lot of butts. Watch this video of a pocket ashtray in use.
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I am noticing that people are less tolerant of those who throw their cigarette butts on the street, and are more willing to say something. |
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Casey Eckert, |
“The placement of ash receptacles and the “Your Butt Belongs Here” signs generated widespread interest in the cigarette butt litter problem. A neighboring city called and asked about our specific program.”
- Mayor Tommy Swaim,
Jacksonville, Arkansas
In a 2008 survey of over 1,000 smokers, 75 % say they are likely to use a pocket ashtray if they had one.
In Washington state, a multimedia "Litter and it will hurt" campaign warns motorists of the state's serious litter fines: $1,025 for tossing a lighted cigarette. The effort has cut litter 20% on state-overseen highways and roads since it began in 2002.