AS part of Butt Free Day on Thursday, October 18 2012, Parramatta Council has installed purpose built butt bins across the City and will be giving away personal ashtrays.
Parramatta Lord Mayor, Cr John Chedid, said the new bins will help control cigarette butt litter, leaving the City tidier and our environment healthier.
“Cigarette butt litter is a major concern. Not only because it looks dirty, but because it impacts on the health of local people and our environment,” Cr Chedid said.
“By increasing the availability of these bins, we hope that smokers will correctly dispose of their cigarette butts. Many of our existing street rubbish bins already have built-in cigarette butts containers. By adding purpose built bins, we’re making it easier for smokers to do the right thing,” Cr Chedid said.
The 18 purpose built butt bins that have been installed throughout the Parramatta CBD and shopping centres in Harris Park, Granville and Guildford, can hold approximately 2,500 butts each.
Each bin contains a fluid inside that immediately extinguishes cigarette butts and eliminates any fire hazard. There are also odour controlling chemicals to absorb the smoke odour.
In determining the best location for the bins, Council’s Cleansing Team identified key areas where butt littering was a problem.
Parramatta City Council will also be distributing free personal ashtrays on Butt Free Day. Personal ashtrays are designed for smokers on the go. They can be kept in pockets or handbags.
Free personal ashtrays will be handed out on Butt Free Day, Thursday, 18 October 2012 in front of Council’s administration building at 30 Darcy Street, Parramatta between 8am to 9:30am, 12:00pm to 1pm and 4:30pm to 5:30pm.
