The Surfrider Foundation Delaware Chapter and Plastic Free Delaware are combining efforts to deal with the issue of cigarette butts in coastal state parks – Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore, and Fenwick Island.
“To help conserve and restore Delaware’s fragile ecosystem, we intend to alleviate cigarette litter by increasing awareness of the environmental dangers of discarding cigarette butts and inspiring smokers to properly dispose of their cigarette waste,” said Surfrider Delaware Chair, Brian Moran.
Recently, the Keep Delaware Beautiful campaign supplied DNREC’s Delaware State Parks with cigarette butt receptacles that support the parks’ Carry In, Carry Out trash policy and the Keep DE Litter Free initiative, which was launched by Governor John Carney in 2019.
“There really is no excuse to litter, yet cigarette butts and other trash continue to be found throughout Delaware, including on our beautiful beaches,” said DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation Director, Ray Bivens, “We are thankful to the Surfrider Foundation and Plastic Free
Delaware for helping to spread the Keep DE Litter Free message and further raise awareness about the impact that litter has on our environment.”
“Many people believe that filters are made of cotton and that they will decompose when left in the environment,” says Dee Durham, chair, Plastic Free Delaware, “ in fact, they are made of plastic—plasticized cellulose acetate— which does not biodegrade or compost.” Durham is a New Castle Councilperson.
Cigarette butts break down into smaller pieces over the course of 10 years. However, the remnants leach chemicals and pose a significant risk to birds and other wildlife which may mistakenly swallow a release stated.
DNREC’s newly installed cigarette waste receptacles were placed in the beach parks. Volunteers from the partner organizations will distribute educational brochures and free personal pocket ashtrays on select weekends to park visitors and are placed at several locations in Sussex County.
