Cigarettes are a big problem, but you can recycle the filters.Tobacco products can be recycled by a company that accepts them.They may pay you to send the filters to them.Don't throw out cigarettes in the trash, place them in an ashtray or recycling bin.Cigarette filters help prevent dangerous chemicals from entering the environment.
Step 1: The cigarette can be extinguished by grinding it out.
Don't attempt to recycle cigarettes until they are fully extinguished.Throw the cigarette on the ground, step on it, and twist your foot.You shouldn't see smoke coming from the cigarette butt anymore.Push the lit end of the cigarette into the ashtray until it stops smoking.
Step 2: The cigarette needs to be moved to a bag.
The filter should cool after you extinguish the cigarette.Put it in a bag or container.A thick garbage bag is not likely to rip or fall apart.If you plan on recycling the cigarette filters, you should collect them in a plastic bag or container.
Step 3: The bag should be stored in a dry spot.
Store the bag in an appropriate location if you don't plan on recycling the filters right away.The bag should be marked so that it doesn't get thrown away.It's best to keep it out of the rain and away from animals.It is important to protect the bag since recycling options usually have you ship the filters to them.Shipping companies don't accept damaged or dripping waste bags.
Step 4: If possible, collect at least 3 lbs of cigarettes.
It will take over a thousand filters to reach this weight, so you may have to store it for a while.It's helpful to collect discarded cigarettes or assemble a collection bin.A lighter bag can be sent to the recycling company.Recycling companies pay $1USD per pound for bags that weigh at least 3 lbs.You can always send a smaller amount of filters.It is more efficient to wait until you have a bigger collection.
Step 5: You can join a site.
You can search online for sites that recycle cigarettes.TerraCycle is one of the few options out there.You need to create a free account to ship cigarettes.Some cities have their own recycling programs.If this is an option, check with your local government and trash disposal service.
Step 6: The bag should be put in a box.
Get a cardboard box from an office supply store.To prepare the box, fold and tape the bottom end.Once the filters are loaded into a bag or container, tie the bag shut and put it in the box.The bag needs to be tied tightly.The shipping company may reject it if it is wet or leaking.
Step 7: The box needs to be sealed with masking tape.
Make sure the bag fits inside the box by folding the flaps.Tape all the way around the fold.Pick up the box to make sure the top and bottom don't open in transit.
Step 8: Attach a shipping label to the box.
You need a shipping label from the website that you signed up for.You can return to the website and tell them that you have a package.They will send you a pre-paid label.Place the label on the box and tape it down.Each shipment needs a unique label from the recycling service.The box has a label on it.Clear up any confusion by consulting the shipping company's rules.
Step 9: The box should be sent to the recycling company.
You can either take the box to a shipping center or call the shipping company.On their website and on the shipping label, the recycling company will tell you who to contact.To avoid shipping costs, follow the instructions of the recycling company.TerraCycle will let you know if you have a package with a pre-paid return shipping label by calling 1-800-PICK-UPS.You can use your own shipping account to send the filters, but you will have to pay the shipping charges.
Step 10: Don't use the cigarette in the ashtray.
An ashtray is a way to keep used cigarettes out of the trash.You can use the ashtray at public establishments if you keep it at home.ashtrays are accessible if you run a public venue.You can buy outdoor ashtrays from home improvement stores and restaurant supply stores.
Step 11: There is a cigarette-only recycling bin.
You can deposit cigarettes into speciality collection bins outdoors.The bins are used to collect filters.Outside restaurants and other locations, you may see them.The bins aren't available in all areas.If the bin is labeled with a sticker or sign, you know it's for cigarettes only.You can get a recycle bin from a company like TerraCycle.A plastic liner can be placed inside a bin.If you own a bin, you have to collect the cigarettes and send them to a recycling company.
Step 12: If you have no other choice, throw the cigarette out.
Put the cigarette in the trash if you can't find an ashtray.The filter will end up in a landfill, but this is a better option than throwing it on the ground.Make sure the cigarette is not lit or emitting smoke before tossing it away.