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MEKUN: Protecting the oceans
Sticking cigarette butts in the sand?
In Germany alone, around 106 billion cigarettes are smoked every year – two-thirds of the butts end up carelessly on the ground. Worldwide, the figure is around 4.5 trillion per year. They are poison for our oceans because they release microplastics and toxic substances!
What is in a cigarette butt?
Cigarette filters are not made of paper, but of cellulose acetate, a plastic that decomposes slowly in the environment – and turns into microplastics in the process. The filter contains over 7,000 chemicals, including at least 50 carcinogenic substances. A single filter can pollute 1,000 liters of water to such an extent that small aquatic organisms such as water fleas are harmed.
The path to the sea is short
What ends up on the street is washed into the sewer system by rain, flows into rivers, and ultimately ends up in the sea. In 2018, microplastic particles from cigarette filters were detected in Arctic sea ice for the first time. This makes cigarette butts a global environmental problem.
Smoke-free beaches – an effective step
More and more coastal towns are introducing smoke-free beach areas. A smoking ban was introduced on Langeoog in 2006, followed by Eckernförde in 2022 – with measurable success: the number of cigarette butts collected fell from 4,000 to 1,000 per year. Fehmarn, Scharbeutz, and Grömitz are also following suit. These measures not only protect the environment, but also children playing and animals.
More information at muell-im-meer.de
E-cigarettes – an underestimated danger
Disposable e-cigarettes are also a growing problem: they contain lithium batteries, plastics, and nicotine residues. If they are disposed of carelessly, heavy metals, plastic parts, and toxins end up in the soil and water. There is also a fire hazard from incorrectly disposed batteries. An EU-wide ban is planned for 2026.
More information: Hamburg Consumer Advice Center
Cigarette butts are only part of the problem: according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, there are over 100 million tons of litter in the world's oceans – with up to 10 million tons added each year.
Host City Local Partner
The Ocean Race Europe 2025
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What everyone can do – especially near water
Sailors, water sports enthusiasts, and beachgoers have a special responsibility:
• Dispose of cigarette butts in pocket ashtrays – never throw them in the sand or water
• Dispose of e-cigarettes and batteries properly as electronic waste
• Support beach cleanups or organize them yourself
• Respect and promote smoke-free zones
• Set a good example – being a role model works
Responsibility of industry and trade
• Reduce single-use products and promote sustainable alternatives
• Introduce deposit systems for e-cigarettes
• Make packaging and filters biodegradable
• Finance and support awareness campaigns
Did you know that in some places it is already an offence to throw cigarette butts on the ground? If you are caught doing so, you could be fined up to EUR 250, depending on the city.
Marine litter – the bigger picture
Cigarette butts are only part of the problem: according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, there are over 100 million tons of litter in the world's oceans – with up to 10 million tons added each year. Around 75% of this waste consists of plastics, some of which remain in the environment for hundreds of years because they are not broken down by microorganisms. However, UV radiation and mechanical stress cause the plastic to become smaller and smaller until it floats in the sea as microplastic, sinks to the bottom, or is mistaken for food and eaten. Whether it's plastic bags, balloons, bottle caps, or cigarette butts, a colorful mix can be found in the stomachs of marine animals and birds. The animals often die in agony from internal injuries or starvation because they can no longer absorb proper nutrition due to the waste in their stomachs.
© Pliquett
Conclusion: Every cigarette butt counts
Trash does not belong in the environment, and cigarette butts are not a trivial offense—they are poisonous to our environment. Whether on the beach, on a boat, or in the city, smokers bear responsibility. And those who observe can take action. The path to clean oceans begins with a small step: reaching for an ashtray.
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