Roadways and Highways.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2008 American Community Survey, 76% of Americans drive alone to work, with the average daily commute about 25.5 minutes. Another 3.5 million workers commute 90 minutes or more each day.¹ With more people snacking, smoking, and eating meals inside the car, cigarette butt litter along roadways, highway on/off ramps and median strips is growing. Tobacco products comprise 38% of all U.S. roadway litter and 53% of roadside litter is attributed to motorists.² Cigarette butts dropped out of car windows are litter and a potential fire hazard.

• Start with signage at intersections. Download graphics to create your own sign like the one shown above. Be sure signage can be placed in your program area. Know the rules and get necessary permissions. Enlist local, state, or federal department of transportation authorities to guide you through the process.
• Add ash receptacles at road-side rest stops and welcome centers, gas stations and convenience stores, parking lots, food courts, and picnic areas.
• If available, use billboards for your message. See a model.
• Or create a bumper sticker (you can purchase one here).
• Establish a litter hotline to report drivers dropping butts out of car windows. See a model letter sent to violators.
• Provide portable auto ashtrays at the Department of Motor Vehicles, local AAA outlets, car rental businesses, rest stops, local car events, or other gatherings that might attract drivers.
• Partner with your local department of transportation, American Automobile Association, local adopt-a-highway and local car rental companies.

¹ 2008 American Community Survey, U.S. Census Bureau, Public Information Office

²"Littering in America" 2009 KAB Research