Auckland smokers get butt bins

The butt bins, approximately the size of a two-litre soft drink bottle, will be installed throughout Auckland City starting next month.

Auckland City's efforts to keep the streets clean have been given a $30,000 boost thanks to a grant from the Lion Foundation, which has been used to purchase 200 cigarette butt bins.

Geoff Matthews, Auckland City's parks and streetscape services manager, says the bins will be placed in areas around the city where cigarette littering problems have been identified and where local businesses have indicated a willingness to look after them.

"Since the introduction of the smoke free legislation in December, our street cleaners have reported a noticeable increase in cigarette butt litter on the street," Mr Matthews said.

"Auckland City is delighted with the Lion Foundation's support, which will help us to combat this issue and encourage people to play their part and put their cigarette butts in the bins."

The bins, approximately the size of a two-litre soft drink bottle, will be installed throughout the city from 1 May 2005. Auckland City has approached the city's business associations, which will canvas members to identify those who see a need for a bin outside their premises. The responsibility for maintaining and cleaning the units will lie with the building owner or occupier.

Another 30 bins have been bought by Auckland City to be placed in public areas maintained by the council.

According to a 2002 estimate from the Auckland Regional Council, Aucklanders drop an estimated 25 million cigarette butts on our streets every year. These butts are washed through the stormwater system and end up in the city's harbours.

The Smoke-free Environments Amendment Act 2003 came into effect on 10 December 2004, banning smoking inside licensed premises. As a result, large numbers of patrons now smoke on the street.

* Owners of licensed premises who would like a cigarette butt bin outside their premises should contact Auckland City on (09) 379 2020.