While plastic bottles are often the first topic to come up when discussing single-use plastic pollution, the most abundant type of plastic litter in the world is cigarette butts. They are the single largest form of litter by count, and despite their small size, they are found practically everywhere and are a significant form of plastic pollution.
“According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are littered every year, making them the most littered item on the planet,” says Jonathan Chaffee, Reality Check Youth Coordinator for Tobacco-Free Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany counties (TF-CCA). “That’s a problem because cigarette butt filters are made of a nonbiodegradable plastic called cellulose acetate. These microplastics are leeching toxins into our environment, including our soil and water, and can impact human health.”
More on why cigarette butts are such a problem:
- Significant source of plastic pollution: Cigarette filters are made of cellulose acetate, a type of plastic that doesn’t easily break down in the environment. When littered, these butts can persist for years and break down into microplastics, which contaminate soil and water.
- Most littered item: Cigarette butts are the most frequently littered item globally, with an estimated 4.5 trillion butts littered every year. This makes them a major contributor to plastic waste.
- Toxic chemicals: Filters contain and absorb toxic chemicals from cigarette smoke, such as nicotine, tar, and heavy metals. These chemicals can leach into the environment and harm wildlife.
- Environmental and health risks: Microplastics from cigarette butts can enter the food chain and potentially accumulate in human tissues, raising concerns about potential health impacts like intestinal damage, infertility, and DNA mutations.
- Growing problem: With the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes, another source of plastic waste is emerging, as their cartridges and pods are often single-use and challenging to dispose of properly.
How to take action this Plastic-Free July:
- Proper disposal: If you do smoke or vape, always dispose of cigarette butts, e-cigarette cartridges, and other waste in designated receptacles, not on the ground.
- Educate yourself and others: Learn about the environmental impact of tobacco products and share this knowledge with friends, family, and colleagues.
- Participate in cleanups: Volunteer for local cleanups to remove tobacco waste from parks and public spaces.
By addressing cigarette butt litter, we can support quit attempts made by people who smoke.
Reducing the environmental impact of tobacco waste can raise awareness and potentially encourage people who smoke or vape to consider quitting for their own health and the health of the environment.
The New York State Quitline is available to help. Anyone who lives in New York State may contact the NYS Quitline by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487). They can also visit nysmokefree.com to reach a specialist through an online chat, request a call-back or order free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) medications. The NYS Quitline additionally offers a variety of free texting programs for those seeking help at their fingertips. Learn2QuitNY and Vivir Sin Tobaco Es Vida (culturally tailored for Spanish-speaking communities) provide daily texts and weekly goals; text QUITNOW or DÉJELO YA NY to 333888 to register. The NYS Quitline’s latest texting service, DropTheVape, supports young people and young adults in their efforts to overcome nicotine addiction. Registration and more information is available at DropTheVape.org.