Berkeley Pushes For Toxic Tobacco Litter Cleanup

BERKELEY, CA — The city of Berkeley is pushing to rid its streets of toxic tobacco waste.

City officials are encouraging local residents to join tobacco litter and plastic cleanups, and for those who smoke to dispose of their products property or consider quitting.

“This environmental toll of tobacco waste often goes unrecognized,” city officials said in a statement.

The city’s news release cited a tobacco litter audit it commissioned that highlights the environmental damage associated with tobacco litter.

“The most common toxic waste item found in clean-ups - cigarette filters - are primarily composed of non-biodegradable plastic,” city officials said.

“Filters contain toxic chemicals that pollute the environment and can be poisonous when ingested by children and wildlife, yet they are the number one item found on our beaches and roadways.”

Residents interested in participating in cleanup efforts are encouraged to sign up with the Ecology Center or Save the Bay, an organization working to protect, restore and celebrate San Francisco Bay since 1961, city officials said.