Spain makes big tobacco pay for cigarette butt clean up

Spain makes big tobacco pay for cleaning up millions of discarded cigarette butts

At Riot Labs, we're all about sustainability and taking a stand against the harmful practices of big tobacco companies. That's why we're thrilled to see Spain taking a hard line against cigarette pollution with new regulations that will make tobacco companies responsible for the costs of cleaning up millions of discarded butts.

These rules, which come into effect on Friday 13th January, were passed as part of a law banning single-use plastics like cutlery, straws, and picnic plates. The move is in response to an EU directive aimed at reducing pollution from single-use plastics and is a huge step forward in the fight against cigarette waste.

Not only will tobacco companies have to pay for clean-up costs, but they'll also be responsible for installing public receptacles to encourage smokers to dispose of their butts responsibly. And the packaging for tobacco products will have to include a message urging smokers to dispose of their butts in an environmentally-friendly manner.

A victory for sustainability and the environment.

The cost of this clean-up is expected to be substantial, with some estimates suggesting it could run into the hundreds of millions of euros annually. But we think it's a small price to pay to protect our environment from the harmful chemicals and non-biodegradable plastic found in cigarette filters.

At Riot Labs, we're proud to be part of the solution, not the problem. Our products are not only better for your health, but they're also better for the planet. So, let's raise a glass (or a vape) to Spain for taking a bold step towards a cleaner, greener future. And let's hope more countries follow suit and make big tobacco pay for the mess they've created.

Read more about Riot's green mission