Litter
Facts
Cigarette Litter Prevention Program
Cigarette butts are the most littered item in America.
Research shows that individuals who would never consider littering an aluminum
can, a piece of paper or other items may be littering cigarette butts. They may
be surprised to be called litterers. But dropping partially-smoked cigarettes,
cigarette butts, matches, lighters and packaging to the ground is littering.
These items become litter when not disposed of properly. Cigarette litter is an
emerging litter problem in communities around the country. Lack of awareness,
lack of ash receptacles, and the increase of outdoor smoking add to the visible
impact of cigarette litter.
Research shows that smokers will litter cigarette butts, lighters, matches and
packaging material if an ash receptacle is not readily available. Cigarette
litter occurs most often at Transition Points. Transition Points are those
places where a person must discontinue smoking before proceeding. A bus stop, a
store entrance, building loading docks, walkways leading to government buildings
and similar places are the Transition Points in a neighborhood.
Are you interested in addressing this problem in your community? Identify other
stakeholders who care about your neighborhood who can help you. Your team should
include representatives of businesses, local government and neighborhood
organizations. Then, follow the steps outlined in KAB's Guide to Cigarette
Litter Prevention. It will be a valuable program your team can use to improve
your community.
Remember this:
A Little More Thought—Less Littered Butts!
Thanks for keeping Athens Beautiful.
Contact us for more information.
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