Cigarette Litter 2007

Did you know that:

• Cigarette ends are the main form of litter on our streets
• They take 15 years to degrade
• They can cause water pollution if they get into drains and water courses
• They can choke animals and birds if they mistake them for food
• Many people don't realise that cigarette ends are litter
• Dropping a cigarette end is liable to a £75 fine in York

What is the council doing about this?

The council has been taking steps to try and manage cigarette litter by:

• Giving away portable ashtrays, 2500 to date
• Affixing stubber plates to all city centre bins
• Using vacuum cleaning in the city centre
• Working to introduce more cigarette bins across the city
• Working with businesses to ensure cigarette disposal is adequate for staff and customers
• Working with retailers to sell portable ashtrays - so far only Tesco sell them at the tobacco counter.
• Campaigns

Cigarette Litter Campaign 2007

The aim of this campaign was to raise awareness that cigarette ends are litter and to help smokers dispose of their cigarette butts responsibly.  

Campaign sponsors ENCAMS  recognise that smokers need immediate means of disposal as most will throw them on the floor.

During the campaign council officers were giving away portable ashtrays from a stall in the city centre, from council reception points and libraries.

Officers also visited local businesses to work with and advising them on how to deal with cigarette litter.

Portable Ashtrays

Want to know more about portable ashtrays?  See designs available on this ENCAMS web page web.

Are you a retailer?  Would you be interested in selling portable ashtrays?  Contact us on York 553101

Are you a business with good practice on cigarette disposal?  Share your ideas and feature on our website.  Contact Jackie on York 553101.