Bin your butt : a survey-based study on cigarette butt pollution and consumers behaviour in Cyprus

Every year 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are released in the environment, making them the most littered item in the world. Studies proved that cigarette butts contaminate ecosystems with nicotine, aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons and heavy metals, in addition they pose a threat to aquatic life. In 2020 the NGO “Let’s make Cyprus green” started “Bin your butt” campaign, a project with the purpose of reducing cigarette butt pollution in Cyprus through the installation of Ballot Bins and anti-littering signs. The available data regarding coastal litter in Cyprus confirmed the global trend regarding cigarette butt pollution, making it the most found item collected during clean-ups. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the project through a survey carried out through social media. The survey included a total of 17 questions, including inquiries regarding the background, smoking habits, and general opinions about cigarette butt pollution. The results suggest that students, people under 30 and smokers are the groups less aware regarding the risks of cigarette butt pollution, but they are also the groups according to who Ballot Bins would be effective. The study concluded that the campaign is effective because it targets the right groups. The research also pointed out that according to the interviewees the best measure to further reduce cigarette butt pollution are awareness raising and stricter fines and regulations