Smoking Litter
Smoking related litter is the most common type of litter on the streets of Scotland.
Surveys show that over half of our streets have some form of smoking related litter including cigarette butts, matches and packaging. However, in our towns and cities this figure rises to 75%. 122 tons of cigarette butts and cigarette related litter is dropped every day in the UK.
These relatively small items prove to be a big headache for those who have to clean them up. They can easily become trapped between paving stones and be washed into drains causing blockages and flooding.
Cigarette butts leak toxins that contaminate water and harm marine life and the environment. Some smokers think butts will biodegrade quickly – but because of their plastic content, experts believe they could take 500 YEARS to disappear.
Many people seem to be unaware that smoking related items, cigarette ends, matches etc. are litter. However, a £50 Fixed Penalty Notice for inappropriately disposing of a cigarette end can be issued, the same as for dropping a drinks can.