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Chicago Fines Aim to Kick Smokers' Butts From Beach

City buried in millions of tons of litter

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 18, 2008 11:43 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Chicago will fine smokers who toss cigarette butts on the beach—or within 15 feet of one— up to $500. The new law is aimed at cutting the cost of cleaning up after smokers, who have been forced outside by smoking bans, reports the Chicago Tribune. Millions of tons of butts are cleared from beaches every year. 

The new law is a pick-me-up for volunteers who help clear beaches. "We pick them up sometimes by the handfuls," said one. "It's shocking to people who collect the data. You never look at a cigarette butt the same way again."

Indoor smoking bans have forced smokers outdoors - but made cleaning up after them more costly.
Indoor smoking bans have forced smokers outdoors - but made cleaning up after them more costly.   (Getty Images (by Event))
Chicago beaches have been used as an ashtray by smokers for years. Now anyone who tosses a cigarette butt near a beach will be find $500.
Chicago beaches have been used as an ashtray by smokers for years. Now anyone who tosses a cigarette butt near a beach will be find $500.   (KRT Photos)
Smokers are littering shorelines and waterways worldwide with millions of tons of cigarette butts. Chicago is to fine anyone tossing cigarette butts on beaches $500.
Smokers are littering shorelines and waterways worldwide with millions of tons of cigarette butts. Chicago is to fine anyone tossing cigarette butts on beaches $500.   (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
hopeandchange
Apr 23, 2010 12:32 AM CDT
Cigarette butts do not bio-degrade as most smokers think.

Lawmakers ban smoking in college dorms
Newsday

Ontario to ban smoking in cars with kids
Canadian Press

US • Health

 
Chicago • Earth Day • smoking • smoking ban • Surgeon General • Ocean Conservancy • Alliance of the Great Lakes • Department of Streets and Sanitation • Casting Refuse and Liquids Ordinance • American Littoral Society • Friends of the Parks

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