It's time to put an end to the unnecessary single-use plastic cigarette filters, and the Global Plastics Treaty is the mechanism to do it.

Cigarette butts are one of the most littered items on the planet, with a whopping 4.5 trillion butts discarded into the environment annually. Cigarette filters are made of cellulose acetate, a form of plastic, which does not biodegrade in the environment. These plastic filters pose a massive threat to ecosystems and wildlife, especially as they contain toxic chemicals like arsenic, lead and cadmium, which also leach into environment.

The proposed ban on cigarette filters is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) COP 10, which called for eliminating cigarette filters and plastic vaping disposables in February 2024. The Zero draft text of the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution also references the need to synergize with relevant UN treaties. The WHO FCTC must be included in the list of relevant UN treaties as it is the only other treaty which addresses a consumer product that is responsible for plastic pollution.

cigarette butts are the last form of socially acceptable pollution. Support the movement in calling for a ban on cigarette filters as part of a global plastics treaty!

Following the outcome of the fourth round of negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty, we’ll be launching a campaign to address cigarette butt litter in Canada. Fill out the form below to stay updated and involved with the campaign!