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Cigarette bins and the EnvironmentCigarette bins and the EnvironmentAn emotive subject for many,
the recent ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces caused a great deal
of debate. Despite a lot of protest, the ban came into force in the UK
in 2007. Whether individuals are for or against the ban, many now have
to smoke outside of pubs and workplaces a lot more frequently. While
this reduces smoke inside public buildings, it can also lead to an
increase in littering just outside. In order to help the environment,
smokers need to be aware that cigarette ends are as damaging as other
waste, and many more outdoor cigarette bins need to be provided.A
large amount of people assume cigarette butts are easily biodegradable,
but this is often not the case. As they are so small, many who would
normally never drop litter will throw filters to the ground without a
second thought. Many filters are actually made of cellulose acetate –
although this looks like cotton, it is actually a type of plastic that
can take years to biodegrade. It can prove difficult to collect these
filters once dropped; they are often missed by standard litter cleaning
techniques as they tend to fall in between cracks in pavements and roll
to the edge of roads and pathways. They are often swept into gutters
and other waterways by the rain or wind. This is a cause for concern
as filters absorb dangerous chemicals found in tobacco smoke – and as
they slowly decay they release these substances. It is believed that
this could be harmful to aquatic life. No matter where they fall,
cigarette butts leak chemicals that add to the pollution of the area.
Some of the chemicals associated with tobacco smoke include arsenic,
hydrogen cyanide and formaldehyde. There are several other
ways in which carelessly discarding used cigarette ends can cause
harm. One of the more obvious risks is that of causing fire. If a
cigarette has not been properly extinguished they can smoulder for
quite some time, and in the right conditions can ignite nearby
flammable materials. The damage caused can be extensive. After fires,
natural environments can take years to recover – as can human
communities. Appropriate and accessible cigarette bins can help reduce
the risk of smoking related fires. Animals, birds and fish
sometimes eat cigarette ends by mistake; this can be dangerous, and
even lethal, as they are not readily digestible and release chemicals
directly into the animal. Although it is thought that aquatic animals
most commonly mistake cigarette ends for food, pets and even young
children will sometimes swallow them. It is vitally important that
people dispose of cigarette ends in a responsible manner. This is
often enforced by issuing on the spot fines to people caught dropping
litter.By far the easiest way to ensure that cigarette
littering is kept to a minimum is to have more cigarette bins. It is
important that they can be recognised from a distance and are
positioned in areas where smoking is likely, for example, outside a
pub. Many styles of cigarette bins are available, some are wall
mounted, some not, vandal proof kinds can be obtained if necessary.
Just placing cigarette bins in several convenient locations can reduce
the environmental impact of littering. For further information, please visit http://www.slingsby.com |
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