Petition · past parliament
Ban the sale of non-biodegradable cigarette filters in the UK.
Closed
35 signatures
What the petition asks
Cigarette butts are the most common form of man-made litter in the world. It is estimated that 4.5 trillion cigarette butts become litter every year. The fibres used as the predominant filter material do not readily biodegrade. A normal lifespan of a discarded filter is thought to be up to 15 years!
Banning the sale of certain materials is an effective way to force manufacturers to create alternatives. Fines have not stopped individuals from littering (just look at the floor on your own high-street!). Manufacturers won't change from cheaper, more environmentally damaging materials unless their hand is forced. So, let's force their hands!
Timeline
| 5 Dec 2018 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 5 Jun 2019 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
35
Status
Closed
Opened
5 Dec 2018
Closed
5 Jun 2019
Follow this petition
Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.
Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.