The UNSMOKE
Butt Blitz
Join the World’s Largest Cigarette Litter Cleanup:
The Butt Blitz 2025
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
CANADA CLEANUPS
What is the Butt Blitz?
Since 2015, the Butt Blitz has mobilized volunteers across Canada to tackle one of the most common yet overlooked types of litter—cigarette butts—which make up 1 in 5 pieces of litter found during our shoreline cleanups. To date, volunteers have removed over 5.1 million cigarette butts, sending them to TerraCycle Canada for recycling.
More than just a cleanup effort, the Butt Blitz raises awareness about the environmental and health impacts of cigarette litter, empowering people to make responsible disposal choices. Now recognized as the world’s largest cigarette litter cleanup, the program continues to expand. Thanks to Unsmoke Canada Cleanups funding, this year’s goal is ambitious: collecting 1 million cigarette butts in April 2025. Join the movement and be part of the solution!
Why Cigarette Litter Matters
Pollution
Cigarette butts contain plastic, arsenic, lead, and nicotine, which can leach into soil and water, contaminating ecosystems and harming wildlife and people. A single cigarette butt can pollute up to 1,000 litres of water.
Wildlife
Small animals, birds, and marine life mistake cigarette butts for food, which can lead to ingestion, poisoning, and even death. The plastic fibres in filters don’t break down, making them a persistent threat to wildlife.
Fire Hazard
Improperly discarded cigarette butts can cause wildfires and urban fires, especially in dry conditions. Countless fires worldwide have been started by smoldering cigarette butts tossed onto dry grass, leaves, or garbage.
Program History
Press Articles
Things to Know TO Butt Blitz Toronto
Global News Hamilton’s one-day “Butt Blitz” takes 37,000 cigarette remains off city streets
CBC News City wants you to stop tossing your cigarette butts on the street
The Hamilton Spectator Volunteers collect 37,052 cigarette butts during Hamilton cleanup event
CHCH Butt Blitz aims to clean up cigarette butts off the ground
Simcoe.com How Butt Blitz aims to give Barrie a greener future
Upcoming Events
Take part in the Butt Blitz by joining one of our public events between April 1st - 30th, 2025.
Help Us Collect 1 Million Cigarette Butts Across Canada!
Cigarette butts are the most littered item in the world, making up 1 in 5 pieces of litter found during A Greener Future’s cleanups. This toxic waste harms wildlife, pollutes waterways, and releases microplastic into the environment. But together, we can make a difference!
Join us for the UNSMOKE Butt Blitz—a high-energy, community-driven event where volunteers will remove cigarette litter from our local environment. This year, with the support of Unsmoke Canada Cleanups, we’re on a mission to collect 1 million cigarette butts across Canada in April!
What to Bring:
♻ An upcycled container (e.g., yogurt tub, coffee tin) to collect cigarette butts
🧤 Gloves or a litter picker for safe collection
💧 Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
Why Join?
✔ Make a direct impact on your local environment
✔ Help raise awareness about the dangers of cigarette litter
✔ Be part of a nationwide movement for cleaner communities
✔ Meet like-minded people who care about sustainability
Registration is NOT required. Click on an event below for details on where to meet.
Are you a local group or business that would like to host a Butt Blitz event with your team?
Connect with us to find out how you can participate.