European cities and WHO call for a ban on cigarette filters, considered major sources of pollution

Brussels, Munich, Dublin, Genoa and other European cities have joined the “No Plastic Filter” campaign, launched by the Dutch government, which calls for cigarette filters to be banned. The World Health Organization supports phasing them out, arguing that filters do not reduce the risks of smoking and generate toxic pollution.

The campaign criticizes current European regulations, which require tobacco producers to cover the costs of collecting cigarette butts but have allegedly failed to reduce waste. In Brussels, cigarette butts account for approximately 30% of litter left on the streets, and cleaning them up puts pressure on the municipal budget.

Most filters are made from cellulose acetate, a plastic that decomposes slowly. A possible ban could be considered during the review of the Tobacco Products Directive and the Single-Use Plastics Directive.

Manufacturers, including British American Tobacco, oppose the restrictions and argue that filters reduce exposure to certain toxic substances. Brussels and The Hague, however, are calling for all filters to be banned, regardless of the material, to prevent legislative loopholes. The Hague estimates annual cleanup costs at two million euros.