Brooklyn’s Cigarette Waste Problem Starts on the Sidewalk
Community-funded cigarette disposal stations reducing litter across Brooklyn neighborhoods.
The The Trash Foundation is launching a borough-wide Cigarette Disposal Program to combat one of New York City’s most common forms of litter: cigarette butts.
With support from Antonio Reynoso and $2,500 in FY26 discretionary funding from the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office, we are installing custom cigarette disposal receptacles at bars, bodegas, restaurants, music venues, and community businesses throughout Brooklyn.
Each dispenser helps:
Reduce sidewalk litter and toxic runoff
Prevent cigarette waste from entering storm drains and waterways
Improve neighborhood cleanliness and public hygiene
Build visible community partnerships through sponsorships
Cigarette Butts Are the #1 Form of Litter in NYC
Cigarette filters are made from plastic cellulose acetate and can take years to break down. In dense urban neighborhoods like Bushwick, Williamsburg, Bed-Stuy, and Downtown Brooklyn, thousands of cigarette butts accumulate on sidewalks, tree pits, and storm drains every day.
These filters release:
Toxic chemicals, heavy metals, microplastics, nicotine residue
When it rains, cigarette waste is washed into New York waterways including the East River and Hudson River.
How it Works
The The Trash Foundation installs custom-designed cigarette disposal receptacles outside participating local businesses and high-foot-traffic areas throughout Brooklyn.
Each receptacle:
Features sponsor branding or neighborhood artwork
Encourages proper cigarette disposal
Reduces sidewalk litter and street sweeping burden
Supports cleaner commercial corridors
Helps divert cigarette waste from landfills
Participating businesses include:
Bars
Restaurants
Coffee shops
Music venues
Bodegas
Community gathering spaces
Apply for a cigarette bin
If you are a local business owner and are interested in partnering with us on this project, please reach out here!