Sam Skwurl
suggests…
Although its one of the smallest pieces of litter, communities report cigarette butts are the top item collected during local cleanups. All that cigarette litter has an impact.
Creates blight
Cigarette litter is unsightly. It accumulates in corners, gutters, and outside doorways and bus shelters. Litter in a business district and other signs of disorder create a sense that no one cares about the community.
Harmful to waterways
Cigarette butts are easily carried in stormwater runoff through drainage systems and eventually to local streams, rivers and waterways. Cigarette filters contain cellulose acetate, a form of plastic that does not biodegrade and can persist in the environment.
Costly to cleanup
Cigarette litter requires additional sidewalk and street sweeping, greenway and park maintenance and stormwater system upkeep. Business owners also bear the expense of cigarette litter cleanup at entrances, exits and adjacent side- walks and parking lots.
When it ends up on the ground and not in a receptacle, a cigarette butt is litter. Partially smoked cigarettes, matches, disposable lighters, packaging, and cigarette butts are all part of a growing national litter problem.
Individuals, who would never pitch beverage cans or paper packaging, typically don't consider tossing cigarette butts on the ground littering. Lack of awareness, lack of ash receptacles and ordinances that move smokers outdoors all impact cigarette littering.
Main Street Kent is conducting an anti-butts campaign for the downtown business district. One phase of the program addresses the issue of proper disposal methods of butts. The Smoker's Output units (pictured left) are being considered for both their looks and practicality. The units are manufactured by the same folks that provided our new trash cans.
Check out this Smoker’s Output at Franklin Square Deli, downtown Kent.
