ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --
Littering is the improper disposal of waste products, including cigarette butts.
While it can happen by mistake, littering is largely considered a deliberate act.
Cigarette butts are by far the most frequently littered item, with an estimated 9.7 billion cigarette butts littered in the United States in 2020. This accounts for 19.6% of all U.S. litter according to “Litter in America,” a study performed by Keep America Beautiful.
Contrary to public perception that cigarettes are mostly paper, cigarette butts consist primarily of a specific type of plastic known as cellulose acetate. It is estimated that they can take up to 10 years to break down, and the chemicals they release can persist in the environment for years beyond that.
Like other kinds of litter, cigarette butts can look unappealing in our streams, lakes, ponds and ditches and result in odors. Littered butts can also leach metals, such as cadmium, lead, arsenic and zinc, into both water and soil as they decompose resulting in water and soil pollution, as well as cause harm to wildlife habitats. Toxins in cigarette butts can leach into rainwater that then flows into a water body. Animals also think that the cigarette butts are food and will eat them. Cigarette butts have been found in the stomachs of birds and aquatic animals.
Cigarette butts are also costly to clean up. Because they are small and light, cigarette butts easily move from place to place, accumulating in corners, gutters and sidewalks. As cigarette butt litter builds up in these places, additional sidewalk and street sweeping, park maintenance and stormwater upkeep are required. Businesses, property owners and government agencies have to bear these clean-up expenses to keep their properties free of cigarette butt litter. Cigarette butts can also start wildfires and structure fires if still partially lit when disposed, which can then destroy local wildlife and cause costly damage to communities.
The Robins AFB Storm Water Management Plan states that the base shall perform, “Proper waste management practices (that) protect storm water quality by minimizing or eliminating improper disposal practices.” Throwing cigarettes on the ground is not proper waste management.
To avoid littering your cigarette butts, be sure to:
- Dispose of used cigarette butts in the appropriate ash receptacles – lids should be maintained closed
- Maintain a portable or pocket ash receptacle when smoking outside
- Do not throw cigarette butts out of vehicle windows
- Be aware of local litter ordinances, which can include cigarette butts and carry penalties
By keeping up with these simple acts, you can help keep Robins Air Force Base clean and safe. If you need assistance obtaining appropriate cigarette butt waste containers, please reach out to 78th Civil Engineer Group Environmental Management. For more information, call 478-222-2526.
Editor’s Note: Stormwater Straight Talk is a quarterly column intended to educate and inform base personnel and families about stormwater management.