In observance of World Cleanup Day, Iranian citizens across multiple cities actively participated in cigarette butt collection campaigns under the slogan “A World Without Cigarette Butts”, with the support of the Iranian Tobacco Control Society. These initiatives aimed to promote environmental responsibility, raise awareness about the harmful impacts of cigarette filters, and foster a cleaner and healthier urban environment.
According to the Society’s Public Relations Office, campaigns were simultaneously organized in cities including Varamin, Robat-Karim, Qom, Astara, Sanandaj, Shiraz, Mashhad, and Shahr-e Kord. The programs engaged citizens of all ages—particularly children and adolescents—alongside government bodies and civil organizations. In addition to collecting thousands of discarded cigarette filters, the events included cultural and educational activities, as well as contests designed to enhance public understanding of the dangers of cigarette litter and to strengthen social responsibility.
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Varamin & Robat-Karim: In Varamin, over 10,000 cigarette butts were collected by nearly 80 participants at the 15 Khordad Park. In Robat-Karim, the campaign was organized with the cooperation of the municipality’s cultural office, the Ministry of Education, and the Society, during which 15 of the most active participants were honored with awards.
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Qom & Astara: In Qom, the “Clean Breath” group launched an educational program for children in Atlas Park, raising awareness of the harmful impacts of cigarette butts through performances and interactive learning. In Astara, participants held a cleanup drive in the National Garden, accompanied by a children’s drawing competition on the theme “A World Without Cigarette Butts.”
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Sanandaj & Chaharmahal-o-Bakhtiari: In Sanandaj, the campaign was conducted with the participation of the Chiawa Environmental Association and the House of Kindness, where both cleanup activities and educational programs were carried out. In Chaharmahal-o-Bakhtiari, the campaign titled “No Cigarette Filters in the Environment” was implemented with the collaboration of the Department of Environment and the local University of Medical Sciences.
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Mashhad: The Mashhad campaign was held at Bagh-e Shahrbano in Vakilabad with sports activities and art competitions for children. Gifts were distributed among participants and winners, combining environmental awareness with recreation.
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Shiraz: In Shiraz, social activists, university students, and environmental enthusiasts joined forces to collect cigarette butts across the city. Saeed Akbari, the Society’s representative in Shiraz, emphasized: “A cigarette butt is the smallest waste item but the greatest environmental pollutant.” Awards were given to the top collectors, and a special lottery was held for all participants.
These collective actions highlighted the environmental burden of cigarette litter and underscored the importance of public engagement in sustainable urban initiatives.
