Cigarette Butts & Waste
Never toss cigarette butts on the ground or in curbside recycling, filters are made of non-biodegradable plastic (cellulose acetate) that can take years to break down. TerraCycle's Cigarette Waste Free Recycling Program, sponsored by Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, accepts extinguished cigarettes, filters, ash, and packaging from any brand, completely free including shipping.
Curbside recycling?
No
Not accepted in curbside recycling, and never leave butts as litter, cigarette filters are plastic and don't break down. Use TerraCycle's free mail-in program instead.
Safety note
Make sure cigarettes are fully extinguished and cool before collecting or packing them for shipment.
How to prepare it
- Make sure all cigarettes are fully extinguished before collecting them
- Collect extinguished cigarettes, filters, loose tobacco, ash, and the foil/plastic packaging in a sturdy plastic container, the outer cardboard box goes in regular recycling instead
- Sign up for a free TerraCycle account and request a free shipping label when your container is full
Common fees
Free, including shipping, sponsored by Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company.
Quantity limits
Not confirmed
Residency restrictions
Not confirmed
Appointment required?
Not confirmed
Transporting it safely
Make sure all cigarette waste is fully extinguished and cool before packing it for shipment.
Recycling locations
Showing locations in our covered metros. Choose a metro to see only the locations there.
0 locations in covered metros
No listed locations for this item yet
Try another covered metro, check the take-back programs above, or use the city’s official recycling program while we expand verified coverage.
Related items
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I recycle cigarette butts & waste?
- Never toss cigarette butts on the ground or in curbside recycling, filters are made of non-biodegradable plastic (cellulose acetate) that can take years to break down. TerraCycle's Cigarette Waste Free Recycling Program, sponsored by Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, accepts extinguished cigarettes, filters, ash, and packaging from any brand, completely free including shipping.
- Can cigarette butts & waste go in curbside recycling?
- Not accepted in curbside recycling, and never leave butts as litter, cigarette filters are plastic and don't break down. Use TerraCycle's free mail-in program instead.
- Is there a safety concern with cigarette butts & waste?
- Make sure cigarettes are fully extinguished and cool before collecting or packing them for shipment.
Programs, hours, fees, eligibility, and accepted materials can change. Confirm details with the facility before traveling.
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