Cigarette butts – The problem

Did you know?

Cigarette butts pose a significant and often overlooked threat to our environment and society. Unlike many other forms of waste, cigarette butts are not biodegradable, making them persistent pollutants in our ecosystems.

These tiny but lethal remnants contain a cocktail of toxic chemicals and non-biodegradable plastics, with destructive capabilities comparable to weapons of mass destruction. Despite their small size, cigarette butts disintegrate at an alarmingly slow rate, releasing toxins into the environment.

Even a single cigarette butt, when discarded irresponsibly, can contaminate up to five hundred liters of water, proving lethal to essential microorganisms in both freshwater and marine environments. Shockingly, cigarette butts make up a staggering 40% of the waste collected during beach clean-ups worldwide.

Thankfully, initiatives like the #gopafree project by Cigaret Cycle are beginning to address this issue. By providing designated bins for cigarette butt disposal at strategic locations, we can collect and recycle these harmful pollutants. Through specialized processes, recycled cigarette butts can be transformed into new industrial products, such as plastic pallets, while the remaining organic materials are repurposed into fertilizers.

Moreover, proceeds from the sale of recyclable cigarette butts are being reinvested to support societal aspects of the communities.

Together, we can raise awareness about the dangers of cigarette butt pollution and take proactive steps to protect our environment and improve the lives of others. Join the movement for a cleaner, healthier future. #Joingopafree