Keep Britain Tidy have released a short online video clip highlighting the problem of litter created by smokers. We would like your help to raise awareness around the problem.
The problem
Three-quarters of English streets are scattered with smoking related litter according to a recent survey by Keep Britain Tidy.
This type of litter is unsightly and difficult to clean up, as the small filters fall into grates and cracks in the pavement, avoiding detection by normal cleaning processes. Cigarette filters are composed of cellulose acetate, a plastic that can take anywhere between 18 months and 500 years to break down and be absorbed back into the environment. It can also lead to toxins leaking into watercourses which pose a serious threat to our wildlife.
How can you help?
General public
If you’re a smoker, and sometimes find it difficult to find a bin to extinguish your cigarette ends, why not use a pocket ashtray. They only cost a few pounds, and could save you from getting a fine! Encourage your employer to provide smoking areas and cigarette bins.
Businesses
- Install cigarette bins on your site – have a dedicated smoking area and clear signage so employees, visitors and customers know exactly where they should smoke and how they should get rid of their cigarettes.
- Distribute portable ashtrays to your employees or if you are a retail outlet, consider selling them to your customers.
- Sign up to the campaign, and get your business listed on the Keep britain Tidy website as a company that is taking responsible action to improve local environmental quality.
What we are doing
We are
- Increasing enforcement
- Increasing cigarette bin provision across Leeds
- Carrying out local PR and media campaigns
- Distributing personal ashtrays to the public
Further information
To find out more about the campaign follow the the Keep Britain Tidy link on the right hand side of this page.