Keep Orlando Beautiful
Cigarette Litter Prevention Program

Did you know that cigarettes are the number one littered item in the US?

Its true!  Cigarette butts are consistently reported as the most commonly littered item in Keep America Beautiful's (KAB) nationwide cleanup activities, representing approximately one third of the total number of items collected. 

Why are they the number one littered item?

There are several factors contributing to rising cigarette butt litter. First, as a result of widespread indoor smoking bans, more smokers smoke outdoors. Moreover, KAB noted a general lack of adequate outdoor ash receptacles, particularly at “transition points,” like building entrances and bus stops where smokers were required to extinguish their cigarette butts. Significantly, many smokers and even nonsmokers did not perceive cigarette butts as litter in the same way as, for instance, food packaging or other consumer items. 

What is Keep Orlando Beautiful doing about it?

KOB was one of the first affiliates to implement a prevention program locally.  A test area, Thornton Park, was decided upon.  First, a butt index was taken.  Cigarette butts were counted in sections.  Next, ash receptacles were placed within each of these sections and another index followed.  The placement of the receptacles resulted in a 48% decrease in cigarette butt litter.  KOB will be installing several more along Orange Avenue between Wall Street and Church Street.  Look for an upcoming volunteer event in January!  If interested, let us know (e-mail).

In addition to the receptacles, pocket ash trays were handed out to local businesses in the area.  KOB keeps a supply on hand and passes them out at concerts and events.  To date, over 5,000 have been distributed. 

If you know of an event in the City of Orlando that the pocket ashtrays should be distributed and used to help prevent butts from becoming litter, please contact us at 407-246-2752 or

e-mail. 

Are cigarette butts biodegradable?