Did you know that cigarette butts are not completely biodegradable? They remain in the environment for decades without breaking down into an environmentally friendly form. But there is a solution. TerraCycle, a company committed to finding ways to recycle many difficult materials, offers a free Tobacco waste recycling program.
Cigarette butts land on the road, on the beach, or anywhere else. 18 months to 10 years It breaks. The filter is made of a type of plastic and is not biodegradable. Instead, they release plastic microfiber They are released into the environment, adding to the growing problem of microplastic pollution. Discarded cigarette butts also leach into the environment the same chemicals and heavy metals that kill smokers. They often wash into road gutters, polluting waterways and harming fish and other wildlife.
Recycling cigarette butts is an important way to clean up after them. It’s good for the neighborhood, it’s good for the beach, and it’s good for the planet. Are you a smoker, or do you live or work with someone who smokes? Or maybe you’re one of the heroes who picks up cigarette butts at the beach, park, or neighborhood street. Whatever your relationship with tobacco, TerraCycle’s program is good news for anyone concerned about the waste tobacco produces.
What TerraCycle accepts
TerraCycle’s tobacco waste recycling program accepts extinguished cigarettes, cigarette filters, loose cigarette bags, outer plastic wrapping, inner foil wrapping, rolling papers, and ash. To ensure proper recycling, please do not send other waste containing these materials. (If you have cardboard packaging, please recycle it through your local recycling program.) The service is free, but you must provide your own container. Airtight containers are best to reduce odors.
Are there any businesses or local locations you would like to collect cigarette butts from? Buy aluminum cigarette waste containers When installing in a location with heavy traffic. When the container is three-quarters full, place your tobacco waste in a plastic bag, print a free shipping label, and send it to TerraCycle in a sturdy box for safe recycling.
Tips for successful recycling
Please make sure the cigarette is completely extinguished before collecting it.
Store waste in resealable plastic bags, disposable plastic containers, plastic bags, trash bags, etc.
When ready to ship, secure the container to seal out odors and ash. Take the time to pack your waste carefully to reduce odors for yourself and those handling the waste during transport.
Download and print the free shipping label from TerraCycle, place the entire container in a sturdy box, and ship it to TerraCycle.
How are cigarettes recycled?
With funding from the Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, the tobacco waste collected will be recycled into various industrial products, including plastic pallets. Check out TerraCycle’s infographic that explains this process.
Click here for more information about free Tobacco waste recycling programor explore others Free TerraCycle Recycling Program.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on June 7, 2023 and updated in October 2024.
