Keep Wales Tidy has launched a local campaign which aims to change behaviour around smoking related litter. The campaign will take place in Blaenau Gwent and will offer different initiatives for smokers to dispose of their waste responsibly along with educating the public through messaging.
Although cigarette ends are small, by law they still count as litter. Their small size makes them difficult and costly to tidy up, and they are easily transported into waterways and coast by wind and water.
New smoking bins will be installed in the following locations: Ebbw Vale, Abertillery and Tredegar and will range from ‘micro bins’ small bins attached to lampposts to ballot style voting bins which will encourage engagement from the public. Local businesses will also help promote the campaign by stocking pocket or portable ashtrays. Throughout the campaign, different messages will be used to help educated not only smokers, but the wider public on the effects of smoking related litter.
Monitoring the level of smoking related litter along with surveying perceptions of the three locations will help note the impact of the campaign, along with raising awareness of smoking related litter.
We want to debunk the myths and misconceptions around the disposal of cigarette ends. Despite their size, cigarette ends still count as litter! We want everyone to understand that our pavements and drains are not ashtrays and look forward to seeing the results in Blaenau Gwent.
Jemma Bere Policy and Research Manager at Keep Wales Tidy
Follow the campaign on social media using the hashtags #TidyButts #BonionTaclus
