Cigarettes butts (discarded filters) are the most common litter worldwide. These are mostly littered on the ground.

The problem is that it takes 10 to 15 years for the filter fibres to break down by the ultraviolet rays from the sun and during this time their toxic materials like chemicals and heavy metals are released.

They are difficult to clean up and the process is also costly. 

Cigarettes butts are poisonous to living organisms such as fish and children when ingested. Another problem is that if the cigarette is still lit and it is tossed into a bush, for example, the bush will probably catch fire.

There are many precautions that can prevent these problems such as portable ashtrays or ashtray stands near bus stops or in public places. Harsher fines can also be given to people who litter cigarette waste outside.

 

Miss Esposito is a Form 4 student at St. Margaret's Girls Secondary in Zejtun. This article and photographs form part of the Young Reporters for the Environment competition

 

Erika Esposito