Do you smoke cigarettes? Take our 1-minute survey and receive a free reusable pocket ashtray and a $5 gift card while supplies last.

Cigarette butts are the most littered items in the world. When dropped or flicked, they often end up in storm drains, leading straight to waterways – polluting our bay and ocean. Butts don’t biodegrade – they’re made of plastic and filled with toxic chemicals that harm fish, birds, and other wildlife.  

The Cigarette Butt Litter Reduction Program was launched to protect the community and wildlife. The Program recognizes and provides resources to residents and businesses who partner with the County to reduce cigarette butt litter, and helps champion Coastal Cleanup Day.

Residents and businesses play a key role in keeping our community clean and protecting local wildlife – find ways you can help below. 

Take Action: Be a Cigarette Butt Litter Leader

• Join us in the battle against butts – sign up to become a cigarette butt litter leader and take action to reduce cigarette butt litter in your community. 
• Request and give free pocket and auto ashtrays to friends and family who smoke and encourage them to dispose of their cigarette butts responsibly.
•  Participate in litter cleanup events, like Coastal Cleanup Day held each September. Other litter cleanup events are held throughout the year by various organizations, or you can host your own cleanup event. Recycle the butts collected with a free shipping label from TerraCycle.  
•  Call or text (650) 388-2646, or email pollutionprevention@smcgov.org if you see a cigarette butt litter hot spot area in need of attention.
• Ask your favorite business to become a Cigarette Butt-Free Business.
• Spread the word – many people do not realize cigarette butts are litter.
• Join the Tobacco Education Coalition to help shape tobacco policies in your community. 

Do You Smoke Cigarettes?

• Take our survey and receive a free reusable pocket or auto ashtray. 
• Request a free pocket ashtray and auto ashtray – take these portable receptacles with you on all your outings.
• Recycle your butts through the Pacific Beach Coalition’s drop-off locations or by printing out a free shipping label and mailing them directly to TerraCycle. Read more about TerraCycle’s Cigarette Litter Recycling Program. You can also email pollutionprevention@smcgov.org and we’ll mail you a free recycling bag while supplies last. 
• Say goodbye to butts for good with these resources to help you quit:
  • San Mateo County Tobacco Prevention Program
  • Call the California Smoker’s Helpline at 1-800-NO-BUTTS

Businesses

• Become a Cigarette Butt-Free Business.
• Request free pocket ashtrays to distribute at your place of business.
• Provide receptacles and cessation resources for customers and employees who smoke.

THANK YOU to all of the Cigarette Butt Litter Leaders and Butt-Free Businesses!