Smokers to bin the butts

SMOKERS are being urged to bin their butts as part of a trial litter campaign in Cranbourne.
Cigarette butt disposal poles have been installed on High Street, Cranbourne, part of the trial period to try and prevent littered butts ending up in the stormwater system.
Casey’s manager of waste management Michael Jansen said the campaigned aimed to encourage smokers to do the right thing by binning their butts.
“There is a perception that cigarette butts are too small to cause any major environmental impact, but what many smokers don’t realise is that filters contain acetate and plastic that can take years to break down,” Mr Jansen said.
Casey mayor Lorraine Wreford said cigarette butts were the top litter item in Victoria and posed significant environmental issues.
“Cigarette butts are small and light, so they are easily washed or blown from place to place and often end up in the stormwater system,” Cr Wreford said.
“Making sure butts are put in the bin is such a simple way for smokers to take responsibility for their litter. Consider the rest of the community and our environment.”
Casey’s campaign coincides with Sustainability Victoria’s state-wide and ongoing Don’t be a Tosser- Bin Your Butts campaign.