With the introduction of a fairly successful ban on smoking in enclosed spaces in 2004, which brought the smoking rate down, cigarette butts seem to be all over our public spaces, scattered along sidewalks, roadsides, beaches, gardens and waterways virtually everywhere we go.

Cigarette butts is one of the most littered items in the world and in this country. Cigarette Litter is far more than an eyesore in out towns and cities. Each cigarette butt contains a range of toxins that cumulatively presents considerable health risks, it contaminates our soil and waters and kill our fish and animals. It is estimated that a cigarette butt can remain in the environment for up to fifteen years.

The Association of Local Councils in partnership will all Local Councils wants to see cigarette littering substantially reduced by the end of 2020 and completely eradicated by 2024.

The Association is seeking to form partnerships with NGO’s, media organisations, government entities, commercial enterprise and local community business to develop effective smoking litter campaigns aimed at changing smokers’ behaviour and raising awareness. It is keen to work with architects, planners, product designers, building landlords and bin manufacturers to find effective solutions to smoking litter.

With our Local Councils, we want to make sure that due consideration is given when investing in new bins, to allow for separate smoking litter. It will assist the Councils with the identification and setting up of clearly marked and adequately equipped outdoor designated smoking zones and fixed penalty notices installed in heavily trafficked pedestrian areas.

Removing discarded butts from our streets and piazzas, water gutters, sidewalks, beaches, and public gardens is costing the local economy millions which can be better spent to improve our environment and shared open spaces. We will be seeking support from central government to put pressure on Tobacco manufacturers, importers and sellers to assist in the funding of dissemination campaigns, the setting up of well-equipped designated smoking zones and contribute towards the procurement of fixed and portable cigarette litter containers.

Investing in a well-planned litter infrastructure for smokers may be seen as an encouragement to smoking. Through our Councils we will seek to support the movement to end tobacco use.

let’s clear the air. SIGN THE PETITION SHOWING YOU SUPPORT BUSINESSES AND PUBLIC PLACES GOING 100% SMOKE-FREE THIS YEAR.