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Why it matters

Americans smoked fewer cigarettes in 2005 than at any time since 1951, yet cigarette butts remain the most littered item-in the U.S. and across the globe.¹

Dropping cigarette butts, matches, lighters, and packaging to the ground is littering.

Why do smokers litter?  Mostly, it’s limited ash receptacles and lack of awareness about the environmental impact.  New ordinances are also moving more smokers outdoors.

Here’s why cigarette litter matters: it's unsightly, costly to clean up, and harmful to waterways and wildlife.  Get the facts:

¹"Smoking in U.S. Declines Sharply," Washington Post, March 9, 2006; based on data provided by The American Legacy Foundation.

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There is a real need for more education to change (smokers’ littering) behavior.

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Karen Hauck,
of Keep Charleston Beautiful, SC

 
How To Do It

During the Ocean Conservancy's 2006 Annual International Coastal Cleanup, U.S. communities reported that cigarette butts were the most littered item on roadways, beaches, and sidewalks-representing 35% of items collected.

As of 2007, 22 states and the District of Columbia had passed, or voters had approved, indoor smoking bans.

A 2006 New South Wales Australia litter survey of over 100 sites found that cigarette butts and related items comprised 59.5% of all litter items-up from 55.4% in 2004.