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Bin Your Butts
Last modified: September 8, 2008 - 11:57 AM
Yass Valley Council in association with the South East Resource Recovery Regional Organisation of Councils (SERRROC) launches local litter campaign.
“Litter is one of the most visible and persistent environmental issues our council faces. It can pollute our streets, parks and public spaces and damages our environment. It also affects our area’s image and tourism income,” the Mayor, Nic Carmody said.
Yass Valley Council is launching its Don’t be a Tosser – Bin Your Butts local education campaign today, with a focus on cigarette butt littering in public places.
Mayor Carmody, says the campaign “Will be targeting cigarette butt littering – which accounts for almost half of all litter items. There are 7 billion cigarette butts thrown away each year in Australia. This is a huge threat to our waterways, aquatic life and the cleanliness of our local streets.”
The campaign will include:
- Posters, street banners, and stickers and rink coasters placed in local hotels and clubs;
- Personal ashtrays handed out to residents and visitors;
- Newspaper and radio advertisements.
The campaign aims to reduce cigarette butt litter by informing people about the harmful effects of littering, the social unacceptability of littering, and the fines that apply by law.
An average of 6 out of 10 Australian smokers in outdoor settings litter their butts, and this is a particular problem outside hotels and office buildings.
The environmental impacts of cigarette butts include the release of toxic emissions into water and soil as they decompose. As well, butts are not 100% biodegradable – the paper and tobacco are, but the filters can take up to 12 years to decompose.
“Cigarette tossers can be fined $60 on the spot for littering stubbed out cigarette butts, and $200 for lit cigarette butts,” the Mayor said. “People care about litter but often don’t realise that they are part of the problem. Throughout the campaign, the council’s enforcement officers will be out talking to the community about litter laws and spreading the litter prevention message. Enforcement officers can issue on the spot fines for littering ranging from $60 to $750.”
So the message is “Don’t be a tosser – Bin your butts” – use bins, personal ashtrays or take your rubbish home and dispose of it thoughtfully.
“We want people to think about what they are throwing away, and we welcome support for the campaign to help reduce littering in our community,” the Mayor concluded.
Contact details
Yass Valley Council
Tel: 02 6226 1477
Council@yass.nsw.gov.au
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