Clean Beach Monaco: beach ashtrays for a cigarette butt-free summer
Mayor of Monaco
As every year, the Mairie de Monaco, the Tourist and Convention Authority (TCA), and the Monegasque Sanitation Works (SMA) are joining forces to raise awareness among smokers about maintaining the cleanliness and quality of the Principality’s beaches with the “Monaco Plage Propre” operation (Clean Beach Monaco).
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The 11th edition of this scheme was launched on 4th July and will run until 13th September. Two cone-shape ashtrays have been installed on Larvotto beach. It is also possible to obtain pocket ashtrays from a dispenser located at the Solarium de la Nouvelle Digue, which smokers will then be able to keep due to current COVID regulations. Ashtrays are also available at three TCA information points.
Raising awareness of the environmental impact of cigarette butts
Cigarette butts are a real scourge for the environment. According to a study by the European Commission, they are the most common type of plastic waste found on beaches after plastic bottles. In France, 20,000 to 25,000 tonnes of cigarette butts are thrown away every year. In addition to being unpleasant for beachgoers, this waste pollutes rivers and oceans and is dangerous for birds and fish.
The Monaco Plage Propre operation led by the Principality is part of a wider programme called “Monaco zéro mégot” (Monaco, cigarette butt free). In addition to maintaining a clean space, the long-term objective is to alert smokers to the impact of cigarette butts on the environment.