Níjar cracks down on beach butts

Discarded fag ends identified as major environmental hazard

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A discarded cigarette butt can contaminate up to 50 litres of water, according to the council

By David Jackson

More than 11,000 cigarette butts have been collected by volunteers from beaches across the Cabo de Gata nature park this summer, and Níjar council says enough is enough.

The council has launched an educational campaign on its beaches to teach smokers about the environmental impact of discarding cigarette butts on the sand. More than 5,000 ashtrays designed to be used on the beach have already been distributed amongst seaside smokers by volunteers.

According to the council, research shows that a single butt can contaminate up to 50 litres of drinking water, or eight litres of sea water.

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