TRILLION
FILTERS EVERY YEAR
They are discarded into the environment worldwide, making them one of the most common forms of litter on the planet.
Many end up on streets, beaches, parks and waterways instead of being disposed of responsibly.
YEARS
REMAIN IN NATURE
Although they may appear to be made from paper or cotton, cigarette filters are primarily manufactured from cellulose acetate, a type of plastic.
They can remain in nature for many years before breaking down into tiny plastic particles known as microplastics.
LITRES OF WATER
POLLUTED BY 1 FILTER
A single discarded cigarette filter has the potential to contaminate up to 500 litres of water, releasing chemicals that affect aquatic ecosystems and water quality.
Responsible disposal helps prevent unnecessary pollution before it starts.
MOST COMMON LITTER ITEMS
Many people are surprised to learn that cigarette filters contain plastic.
As they slowly break down, they release microplastics into the environment, where they can remain for years and become part of the wider pollution problem.
From city streets to remote beaches, cigarette filters are consistently among the most frequently collected forms of litter during environmental clean-up campaigns.
Their widespread presence makes responsible collection and management essential.
SMALL ACTION
BIG DIFFERENCE
Every responsibly disposed cigarette filter contributes to:
- Cleaner streets
- Cleaner beaches
- Cleaner parks
- Healthier ecosystems
- Less plastic pollution
- Greater environmental awareness
environmental
A COST FOR EVERYONE
Discarded cigarette filters don’t only affect nature.
Municipalities and local authorities invest significant time and resources in cleaning public spaces, parks, beaches and drainage systems affected by cigarette litter.
Preventing litter is always more effective than cleaning it up afterwards.
Real environmental change doesn’t happen through one big action. It happens through millions of responsible decisions made every day.
By disposing of cigarette filters responsibly, supporting organised collection systems and encouraging others to do the same, we can all help reduce pollution and create a cleaner Cyprus for future generations.