According to Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, 1.7 billion pounds of toxic cigarette butts are casually discarded each year around the world, fouling city streets and natural environments. Illinois has decided to do something about the scourge.
According to Jessica Leber, Illinois has "passed a law that makes it illegal to toss a butt on the ground or out the car window. Beginning next year, violators will face up to a $1,500 fine for littering their butts, reports the Rockford Register Star. If they’re caught, of course."
"In Illinois, the Great Lakes can sometimes become the de facto 'ash tray' for smokers," she notes. "The Alliance for Great Lakes says that 29% of the scraps picked up by its volunteers in 2012 were smokers’ scraps. Litter in a neighborhood can also devalue properties and contribute to crime--a la the “broken windows” theory of urban renewal."
FULL STORY: It Will Now Be Illegal To Toss A Cigarette Butt In Chicago
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Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
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