Why this project?
Cigarette butt litter is prevalent and harmful. Over 5,000 cigarette butts were picked up during shoreline cleanup events in West Vancouver 2019 and 2020. When littered, cigarette butts enter waterways and leach toxic chemicals and microplastics. Additionally, carelessly discarded butts can cause fires. The intent of the cigarette butt pilot was to provide West Vancouver residents and visitors with another option to dispose of cigarette butt litter responsibly.
Where are the bins located?
Staff have identified six cigarette butt bins locations that were in compliance with the District’s Smoking Regulation Bylaw and that had been observed to be high-smoking areas by staff. Bins were mounted on existing streetside recycling bins to facilitate service and maintenance by the District’s collection contractor.
Why only six bins?
The District’s Smoking Regulation Bylaw prohibits smoking in most places in West Vancouver, including within six metres of building openings, public transit, and parks. It’s difficult to find locations to install cigarette butt bins where smoking is permitted, or close enough to a location where smoking is permitted that people will walk to the bins to dispose of cigarette butts.
How can I request an additional location for a cigarette butt disposal bin?
The District is not considering additional cigarette butt bin locations at this time. Engineering and Parks staff will coordinate on any future expansion of the program.
Why not install cigarette butt bins in parks too?
The District’s Smoking Regulation Bylaw prohibits smoking in all West Vancouver parks.
Where should I put my butt if I’m not close to a bin?
Cigarette butts are garbage—extinguish your cigarette first and then dispose of the butt in a garbage can.
Why not recycle butts with TerraCycle’s UNSMOKE Cigarette Recycling Program?
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) cautioned the District from partnering with TerraCycle’s UNSMOKE Cigarette Recycling Program. According to VCH, while seeming well intentioned, this program is an attempt for Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc. (financial sponsor to UNSMOKE) to improve its public image in British Columbia, while shifting its responsibility of tobacco litter onto its customers. The UNSMOKE Cigarette Recycling Program gives the false impression to environmentally conscious consumers and members of the public that the solution to cigarette litter is TerraCycle’s UNSMOKE Cigarette Recycling Program rather than a decrease in consumption of tobacco.
What else is the District doing to reduce cigarette butt litter?
The District addresses cigarette butt litter through Parks and Engineering departments’ regularly scheduled and on-going street maintenance programs, which include dedicated staff and street cleaning equipment. Additionally, the District has been a Clean Shoreline Community with the Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup since 2018. Through this partnership, the District supports multiple litter cleanup events throughout the year.
What if I have a complaint about an overflowing cigarette butt bin?
Please contact the District to report any issues with the new cigarette butt bins. Report a problem online or call 604-925-7176.
How much does this pilot cost?
Costs were $2,875 for the year-long pilot program and funded through the solid waste utility. Projected costs of continued operation of the pilot locations and strategic expansion are not expected to have a significant impact on utility rates.
I am a resident. How can I help reduce cigarette butt litter?
Your waste is your responsibility. You can help protect our parks, beaches, waterways, and wildlife, and prevent fires by properly disposing of your cigarette butts in a garbage can or cigarette butt bin and by encouraging others to do the same. Cigarette butts are the leading littered item found during shoreline cleanups. Consider hosting your own shoreline cleanup. More information, including registration and safety checklists, can be found on the Ocean Shoreline Cleanup website.
I am a business. How can I help reduce cigarette butt litter in front of my business?
As a requirement of the District’s Smoking Regulation Bylaw, all businesses are required to display “no smoking” signs wherever smoking is prohibited. Additionally, as a requirement of the District's Traffic and Parking Bylaw, all property owners must keep the sidewalk bordering their property clear of debris.
Where can I find resources to quit smoking?
If you’re looking for resources to help you quit smoking, visit quitnow.ca. You may also want to check out Vancouver Coastal Health Smoking Cessation resources. When cigarette consumption decreases, cigarette butt waste decreases.
Who can I contact if I have more questions about this pilot project?
Trevor Doré
Policy & Programs Planner
Email
604-921-3498
