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To raise public awareness about the environmental impact of cigarette butts and encourage responsible behaviour, a series of educational infographics has been developed within the LIFE Integrated Project “Waste to Resources IP”. The infographics focus on the composition of cigarette butts, the pollution they cause, and ways to reduce their negative impact on the environment. The materials were developed by the environmental management company LTD “Zaļā josta”, continuing its long-standing efforts in public education and environmental improvement.

As part of the infographic series, a dedicated material has been created to highlight an often-overlooked question: what exactly is a cigarette butt and what is it made of?

Although a cigarette butt may appear to be a small and harmless piece of litter, its composition tells a different story. Most cigarette filters are made from cellulose acetate, a type of plastic that can take 10–15 years to break down in the environment. During this process, it fragments into increasingly smaller particles, contributing to microplastic pollution. In addition, cigarette filters accumulate various harmful substances during smoking, including nicotine, heavy metals, and other toxic chemicals. Once discarded, a cigarette butt becomes not only a source of visual pollution but also a potential source of environmental contamination.

Studies show that cigarette butts are among the most commonly littered waste items worldwide. Every year, an estimated 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are discarded into the environment, contributing to microplastic pollution and placing additional pressure on natural ecosystems.

Responsible disposal of cigarette butts begins with awareness. Understanding what a cigarette butt is made of helps explain why it does not belong on sidewalks, in parks, or on beaches.