Environmental Management Administration

The National Environmental Research Academy (NERA), Ministry of Environment (MOENV) will carry out a survey project on the quantity of cigarette butts discharged into sewer systems. Based on findings in the literature indicating that a cigarette filter contains approximately 15,000 plastic fibers, the survey results will be used to estimate the microplastic content contributed by cigarette butts in aquatic environments.

With respect to ecological impacts, previous NERA studies and current international literature indicate that some organisms ingest microplastics (fibers). However, there is currently no scientific consensus or conclusive evidence as to whether such ingestion affects organism growth or even causes population declines. Ecological impact assessments require long-term and large-scale monitoring data. Therefore, NERA will continue to monitor this issue and collect and analyze relevant domestic and international reports on ecological impacts.

Waste recycling, collection, treatment, and reuse operators are requested to cooperate by promoting cigarette butts off the ground policies among their employees. In addition, through the research capabilities of the circular economy industry, efforts will be made to develop cigarette butt recycling technologies and create value from recovered cigarette butts.

To reduce the generation of cigarette butts and their presence on streets and in public spaces, a creative proposal solicitation program is being conducted to gather innovative ideas for how to prevent smokers from flicking cigarette butts into public spaces, innovative management approaches that competent authorities can adopt to keep cigarette butts off the ground, and ways to foster a social atmosphere that encourages proper disposal of cigarette butts in trash cans. Prizes, monetary awards, or Green Points will be offered to encourage submissions.

To create an environment free of cigarette butts and maintain a clean and healthy living environment, the MOENV organized a creative proposal competition themed “Cigarette Butts Off the Ground,” encouraging the public to develop innovative solutions from different perspectives.

To address the problem of cigarette butts in the environment, downstream cleanup alone treats only the symptoms; preventing the problem at the source is the fundamental solution. Therefore, this year’s competition focused on “manufacturer and retailer responsibility” and “changing smoker habits.” Organizations and individuals were invited to submit proposals from the perspective of public policy participation, designing innovative systems or approaches to strengthen the environmental responsibilities of manufacturers and retailers. The public was also encouraged to contribute creative ideas involving technological innovation, public advocacy, strategic recommendations, and other approaches to encourage smokers to dispose of extinguished cigarette butts in trash cans. The goal is to gradually shift the focus from “picking up” cigarette butts to “reducing” cigarette butts.

The winning entries demonstrated exceptional creativity and practicality in both planning and implementation. In addition to highlighting the ecological and human health impacts of cigarette butts, which contain more than 4,000 chemical substances and non-biodegradable cellulose acetate plastic fibers, the entries showcased a wide range of ideas, including various designs for portable cigarette butt collection containers, public awareness videos promoting cigarette butts off the ground, innovative concepts for smart cigarette butt recycling facilities, and the development of cigarette butt recycling mechanisms based on analyses of current conditions. These works clearly reflected a strong concern for environmental sanitation.

• Gold Award: “Bad Luck! Today Is Not the Day to Litter Cigarette Butts” recommends printing warning messages directly on cigarette products to strengthen public awareness of the hazards of cigarette butts. It also proposes a cigarette butt recycling system that uses interactive recycling facilities and rewards as incentives. Recycled cigarette butts would be transformed into prizes for redemption or everyday consumer products, thereby promoting cigarette butt recycling.
• Silver Award: “Fewer Cigarette Butts Relay Challenge, a Reel” is built around the themes of creating sustainable action, leveraging children’s influence, and strengthening digital connectivity. This project was developed by a team of sixth-grade elementary school students. Building on the experience and tobacco reduction achievements of previous graduating classes, the team produced a short anti-smoking video and uploaded it to various social media platforms to expand awareness among youth and families and encourage greater attention to cigarette butt issues.
• Bronze Award: “Three Winning Strategies for a Cigarette Butt-Free Ocean” advocates coordinated action among government ministries and businesses by designating cigarette butts as recyclable waste, replacing cigarette filter materials with biodegradable and environmentally friendly alternatives, and establishing diversified cigarette butt recycling mechanisms. The proposal also analyzes current conditions and develops corresponding policy responses.