Post on 13-Jan-2016
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Implementing a Cigarette Litter Prevention Program
What is cigarette litter?– Partially-smoked cigarettes, cigarette
butts, matches, lighters, and packaging that have been dropped to the ground
Cigarette butts are the most littered item—representing 35% of items collected*
Individuals typically don’t consider tossing cigarette butts littering
Cigarette Litter Facts
*Source: 2006 Ocean Conservancy International Coastal Cleanup
Residents and businesses– Requires additional maintenance– Owners bear expense of cleanup
around businesses
Community quality-of-life – Decline in tourism, foot traffic,
business and housing development– Focus on “small” issues creates safer,
livable communities
The Costs of Cigarette Litter
It’s unsightly– Accumulates in gutters, along fencing,
outside doorways, and bus shelters– Creates a sense of disorder
Cigarette butts don’t disappear– About 95% of cigarette filters are composed
of cellulose acetate, a plastic which can persist in the environment*
Harmful to waterways and wildlife– About 18% of litter ends up in local streams,
rivers, and waterways*– Poses hazard to animals and marine life
when they mistake filters for food
Cigarette Litter and the Environment
*Source: Clean Virginia Waterways
Many smokers don’t consider their behavior littering:
– Some believe dropping cigarette butts on the ground and extinguishing them by stepping on them is acting responsibly
– Some drop butts into gutter or storm drains thinking this is a safe way to extinguish a cigarette
– And, some blame littering on lack of ash receptacles
Cigarette Littering Misconceptions
Since it’s small, “it doesn’t matter”
– Only 10% of cigarette butts are deposited in litter receptacles*
– 35% of smokers toss five or more cigarette butts per pack on the ground**
Most cigarette littering occurs at “transition points”
– Areas where a smoker must extinguish a cigarette before proceeding:
– Outside retail stores, hotels, office buildings– Bus shelters– Train platforms
Cigarette Littering Misconceptions
*Source: Beverage Industry Environment Council. Community Change Pty Ltd. Understanding Littering Behavior in Australia, June 1997**Source: iQ Research & Consulting, Keep America Beautiful Pocket Ashtray Study, January 2008
Implement Keep America Beautiful’s Cigarette Litter Prevention Program
Goal:– To noticeably reduce cigarette butt litter
Strategies:– Enforce anti-litter laws– Build public awareness– Install ash receptacles at transitions points– Encourage the use of pocket ashtrays
How Can a Community Respond?
Program Components
Pocket AshtraysPublic Service Ads
Ash Receptacles
Review Litter Laws
2006 roll-out to 50 communities resulted in an average 46% reduction in cigarette butt litter
In 2007, 75 communities saw a 55% reduction of cigarette litter on average; some reported as much as 65%
– 2007 programs implemented in downtown areas, beaches, parks/recreation areas, and rest areas along highways/roadsides
Program Results
Gather a team Assess needs and establish a budget Kick-off Cigarette Litter Prevention Program Evaluate impact Sustain and expand
How the Program Works
That’s you!– Who’s missing from the team?– Learn about cigarette litter– Select area for program launch
Where is cigarette litter a problem? Prioritize local areas to target
– downtown
– park
– public area along waterway or beach
– recreation or tourist attraction Start where team members can work together
Gather a team
Investigate local litter laws Conduct cigarette butt litter scans
– Scan is a count of cigarette butt litter along1-2 blocks within the program area
– Scans identify key transition points– Assesses program impact
Budget and gather resources – Ash receptacles – purchase, installation and
maintenance– Pocket ashtrays– Public education and media coverage
Assess Needs and Establish a Budget
Roll out media
Place ash receptacles
Program Kick-Off
Handout pocket ashtrays
Conduct a follow-up scan Re-scan any time between five weeks
and three months after start of program
Gauge public awareness– Track media coverage– Consider surveying residents to measure
public awareness
Evaluate Impact
Maintain existing program– Gather long-term support to keep it
going
Grow the program– Expand to other priority areas– Enlarge reach of existing program
Sustain and Expand
First Month Understand local
cigarette butt litter problem Gather and educate
team of stakeholders Identify program area
Campaign Timeline
Months Two and Three Review local litter laws Conduct first cigarette butt litter scan Set program budget; identify funding
sources and in-kind support Identify key transition points Order ash receptacles and pocket
ashtrays Create public messaging and media
Campaign Timeline
Next Three Months Launch program
– Educate the public – begin media campaign– Install ash receptacles– Distribute FREE pocket ashtrays
Measure results– Conduct follow-up scan– Gauge public response
Beyond Six Months Maintain existing program Expand to other priority areas or grow
existing program
Campaign Timeline
Cigarette litter scan Ash receptacle and
pocket ashtray information Public education/media:
– Print ads– Photos– Brochures– Model news release
Sample budget More at www.PreventCigaretteLitter.org
Program Resources
Since 1953, engaging individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community environments.