Cigarette butts as a super challenge in solid waste management: a review of current knowledge

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Jul;29(34):51269-51280. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-20893-9. Epub 2022 May 25.

Abstract

Filtered cigarette is the most common type of tobacco used and cigarette butt is the most important environmental consequence of smoking. This study aimed to investigate the cigarette butt management and identify future needs to improve the current situation. The results showed that cigarette butts are the most abundant and widespread hazardous waste in the world. The current form of cigarette butt management has inferior performance that faced waste management systems with serious challenges. The results showed that reducing the littering rate and recycling are known as basic strategies in the management of this hazardous waste. Future studies should focus on reducing cigarette butt pollution and the amount of pollutant leakage from them.

Keywords: Hazardous waste; Litter; Waste management.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Hazardous Waste
  • Smoking
  • Solid Waste
  • Tobacco Products*
  • Waste Management*

Substances

  • Hazardous Waste
  • Solid Waste