This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
"The Longmont Downtown Development Authority (LDDA) received a Cigarette Litter Prevention grant from Keep America Beautiful to install more cigarette receptacles on the sides of trash cans in the Downtown area," states a press release by LDDA.
The grant was issued in the amount of $5,000 to purchase cigarette receptacles to place on the sides of trash cans and for pocket and portable vehicle ashtrays to provide to the public for free. "Our goal is to educate the public and help reduce cigarette butt litter in the Downtown area," says Del Rae Heiser, Downtown Specialist.
According to the LDDA website, "The grant requirements include conducting cigarette butt scans (counting the number of butts found in a certain area), purchasing receptacles, and public outreach. The LDDA with support from the City of Longmont Public Works, Core Labor Source (Imagine), and Downtown business owners and block captains, helped determine receptacle locations, maintenance requirements, clean up and public education."
According to Heiser, "50% of the grant must be spent on purchasing cigarette receptacles that must be installed by June 1, 2018. 20% of the grant must be spent on public education. Our public education includes messaging that “Cigarette butts are litter too” and other cigarette facts. We are also required to distribute at least 600 portable pocket/vehicle ash trays."
In total, 16 new receptacles were added to the downtown area bringing the total number of receptacles available to 35. The receptacles are mounted to the sides of trash cans "on key corners downtown and introduced more into our east and west Main St. alleys, which are better smoking areas instead of Main St. sidewalks," states Heiser.
All receptacles are tamper resistant and padlocked.
LDDA received 600 pocket and portable vehicle ashtrays for free as a part of receiving the grant. "They are excellent options for people to use when they do not have a receptacle handy on the street or in their car. Instead of flicking a cigarette on the ground or out the window, use one of these portable ash trays until you find a receptacle to dispose of your cigarette," says Heiser.
Pocket and portable vehicle ashtrays are available during the Friday night Summer Concerts located at 4th and Main St. from 6-9:30 p.m. during the month of June. If you are unable to attend the concert, ashtrays are also available at Visit Longmont, located at 512 4th Ave. or at the LDDA office, located at 528 Main St.
During Downtown's annual Clean & Green event, cigarette butts were the top item collected. This problem led LDDA to launch a “Cigarette butts are litter too” campaign.
According to the LDDA website, "when it ends up on the ground and not in a receptacle, a cigarette butt is litter. Partially smoked cigarettes, cigar tips, matches, disposable lighters, packaging, and cigarette butts are all part of a growing national litter problem."
The LDDA website also mentions the following ways that cigarette butts are harmful to our environment and ways they impact all residents in a community:
Creating Blight
Cigarette butt litter is unsightly. It accumulates in corners, tree wells, pavers, and gutters. Litter in our Downtown district creates a sense that no one cares about the community or environment.
Harmful to Waterways
Littered cigarette butts are easily carried in storm water runoff through drainage systems and eventually to local streams, rivers, and waterways. Cigarette filters contain cellulose acetate, a form of plastic that does not biodegrade and can persist in the environment.
Costly to Clean Up
Cigarette litter requires additional sidewalk and street sweeping, greenway and park maintenance, and storm water system upkeep. Retailers, property owners, and municipalities also bear the expense of cigarette litter cleanup at entrances, exits, and adjacent sidewalks and parking lots.
Harmful to Pets
While one butt may make a small dog sick, two butts could be a potentially toxic dose for a small-breed dog or puppy. Dogs can experience nicotine poisoning so keep our four legged friends safe and don't leave butts behind for them to sniff and taste.
The LDDA also recommends the following tips to help reduce cigarette butt litter:
- Use a receptacle to dispose of cigarette butts and cigar tips. There are now over 25 in-ground and trash can mounted ash receptacles in the Downtown area and are primarily located near bars, restaurants, and coffee shops on Main St. or in the alley.
- Carry a portable or pocket ashtray when a receptacle is not available. These are available at the LDDA office. Please contact Del Rae at (303) 651-8586. When a Downtown receptacle is not available, these pocket ashtrays come in handy!
- Don’t throw butts out car windows. Use your vehicle ash tray or if you don't have one, pick up a portable vehicle ash tray at the LDDA office. Please contact Del Rae at (303) 651-8586.
- Be aware of local litter ordinances. The Colorado Clean Air Act prohibits smoking within 15 feet of any public entrance. Be considerate and smoke away from the entrance to a public establishment.
To learn more about LDDA's efforts in their “Cigarette butts are litter too” visit their website.
