When it comes to cigarette butt litter, we all pay.

Residents and businesses “pick up” the tab.  Cigarette butt litter has to be cleaned up.  This requires additional sidewalk and street sweeping, greenway and park maintenance, storm drain cleaning, and increased maintenance of storm water filters. And business owners bear the expense of cigarette butt litter cleanup around entrances, exits, sidewalks, and parking lots.

Community quality-of-life suffers.  Not paying attention to quality-of-life issues can result in a decline in a city’s foot traffic, tourism, business development, and housing. Focusing on small improvements, like reducing cigarette butt litter, creates safer and more economically vibrant communities.

Recreation areas become less attractive. Cigarette butt litter on beaches and waterfronts, at ball fields and parks, picnic areas and hiking trails decreases the appeal of these natural escapes. It also creates fire hazards, impacts local wildlife, and eventually contributes to lost tourism and revenue.

Learn more about why cigarette litter matters:

• How does cigarette litter affect the environment?
• What are some common misconceptions about cigarette litter?