Tiny But Dangerous
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. Cigar tips are predominantly plastic. Cigarette filters carry toxins. Cigarette butt litter can post a hazard to animals and marine life–these items are too often mistaken for food.
- Many people think because a cigarette butt is small, there isn’t a consequence to littering.
- Many think that an appropriate and responsible way to extinguish a cigarette is to throw it on the ground and step on it.
- Too many think a slick way to extinguish a cigarette is to throw it in a gutter or down a storm drain — or in the river or our ocean.
- Many smokers blame inadequate disposal options as a reasonable explanation for littering.
- The majority say they would use well-placed bins, or ash can options, if they were available.
Three articles on cigarette litter.