Smokers throughout Wiltshire are being encouraged to safely extinguish their cigarettes and then Bin the Butt, with the launch of a new campaign that aims to reduce cigarette litter.
The campaign, in association with Keep Britain Tidy, highlights what happens to cigarette butts when they’re thrown on the floor; not only are they unsightly, they’re also bad for the environment, as many get washed down drains and into rivers and seas, harming fish and wildlife.
Cigarette filters contain plastic and are comprised of thousands of chemical ingredients, including arsenic, lead and nicotine, all of which are highly toxic to fish and other marine creatures.
In Wiltshire, 89kg of smoking-related waste is dropped as litter daily, equivalent to 588 wheelie bins per year (Action on Smoking in Health).
For those who do smoke and want to stop for good, Wiltshire Council can provide support, including dedicated health trainers, who can assist you every step of the way to stop smoking. Find out more at www.wilt shire. gov.uk/public-health-stop-smoking.
