500 extra ashtrays to keep Antwerp streets clean: “Half of the litter in the city consists of cigarette butts” (Antwerp)

The city is stepping up the fight to keep the streets cigarette-free. For example, the city council is increasing the number of public ashtrays from 2,200 to 2,700. In addition, there are free pocket ashtrays that will also be distributed during promotions.

“Almost half of the litter in our city consists of cigarette butts,” says Alderman for city and neighborhood maintenance Els van Doesburg. “Not only does that look dirty on the street, those butts are also difficult and annoying to clean up for our city cleaning teams.”

“A cigarette butt is not biodegradable, consists of harmful microplastics and chemicals, and those small particles end up in our environment. So think about it when you smoke your cigarette: keep it or throw it in the trash. That’s what they stand for. It’s really just a matter of respect for others,” says van Doesburg.

To encourage smokers to dispose of butts correctly, 500 extra ashtrays will be placed in the city from May, on top of the 2,200 already present. Linkeroever is the first to receive new ashtrays.

Pocket ashtrays

In addition, the city of Antwerp wants to promote reusable pocket ashtrays. These are small, portable and fireproof ashtrays that smokers can take with them wherever they go and in which they store cigarette butts. Afterwards they empty the pocket ashtray and throw the butts in the trash.

Promote teams will hand out the bags to smokers in the coming months at various city events such as the July 11 celebration, Antwerp Pride and the Bollekesfeesten. They are also available at about twenty urban locations, including the city shop, recycling parks and a number of cultural meeting centers.

READ ALSO. The Deurne district hands out 2,500 pocket ashtrays: “From now on, poop in a bag and cigarette butt in a container”

(N.D.)