F.A.Q.

Rethink Filters is Cyprus’ official collective system for the management of cigarette filter and tobacco product waste. Our role is to organise and support the responsible collection and management of cigarette filter waste while promoting environmental protection and helping producers comply with their legal obligations under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). By working with producers, municipalities and public authorities, Refilters contributes to cleaner public spaces, reduced pollution and a more sustainable future for Cyprus.

Although they are small, tobacco product filters are among the most common forms of litter worldwide. They are primarily made from cellulose acetate, a plastic material that can remain in the environment for many years. When discarded on the ground, filters release harmful chemicals into soil and water and gradually break down into microplastics that affect ecosystems and wildlife. Responsible disposal helps reduce this environmental impact.

No. Most tobacco product filters are made from cellulose acetate, a plastic-based material that does not biodegrade like natural materials. Instead, it slowly fragments into smaller plastic particles that remain in the environment for many years. This is why tobacco product filters should always be disposed of responsibly.

Tobacco product filters should always be placed in dedicated cigarette bins, ashtrays or other appropriate waste collection points. They should never be thrown onto streets, pavements, beaches, parks, fields or into waterways, where they can pollute the environment and harm wildlife. Every correctly disposed filter contributes to a cleaner Cyprus.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy that makes producers responsible for the management of waste generated by their products. For tobacco product filters with filters, EPR helps ensure that producers contribute to the costs associated with collecting, managing and reducing cigarette filter waste, supporting cleaner communities and protecting the environment.

Rethink Filters works with producers, municipalities, government authorities and other organisations involved in the management of tobacco product filter waste.

Our goal is to establish a coordinated national system that promotes responsible waste management and environmental compliance across Cyprus.

Refilters provides producers with an organised collective system that supports compliance with environmental legislation relating to tobacco product filter waste. By joining the system, producers contribute to responsible environmental management while helping reduce pollution and supporting national sustainability objectives.

Protecting the environment starts with simple everyday actions. Always dispose of tobacco product filters responsibly, encourage others to do the same and support initiatives that reduce litter and protect public spaces. Every filter placed in the right bin helps create cleaner communities and healthier ecosystems.

One tobacco product filter may seem insignificant, but millions are discarded every day. When each person makes the right choice, the combined impact is enormous. Cleaner streets, healthier beaches, reduced plastic pollution and stronger environmental awareness all begin with individual responsibility. That’s why our message is simple: Think Before You Toss. Every Filter Counts.

The following should be disposed of in the designated bins:

• Cigarettes and cigars with filters containing plastic.
• Separate single-use filters containing plastic.
• Electronic devices with vaporised tobacco products that have filters containing plastic, including heated tobacco products.