Put those butts where they belong!

Cigarette butts tossed to the ground are likely to get swept into the storm drains. From there, they end up in our creeks and waterways, polluting the water and poisoning wildlife. Cigarette butts are toxic and do not biodegrade.

Did you know that cigarette butts are one of the most common types of litter in downtown Walnut Creek? If you smoke, please look for one of the new "ash towers" installed in outside areas of participating establishments. Keep Walnut Creek clean by putting those butts where they belong!

Creeks are an integral part of the City of Walnut Creek—some are visible while others are more subtle—and all ultimately flow into the San Francisco Bay and the Delta. The Walnut Creek Clean Water Program is working with residents, businesses and visitors to make sure we keep our waterways healthy and our community vibrant.

We have provided tips here, but one of the most important thing we can all do is not litter… even ‘little’ litter adds up. 

Second-hand hazard: What happens when a cigarette butt is left on the ground For a full-size version of the graphic, right, click here A cigarette butt can take anywhere from 1-5 years to decompose on the streets. Dispose of cigarettes in ash receptacles instead. For more information, visit http://www.keepcabeautiful.org/facts/litter-facts.html  The water runoff from our storm drains is released directly into nearby bodies of water, including creeks, rivers, the San Francisco Bay and the Delta, and the Pacific Ocean. To protect our waterways, throw your trash into a garbage can instead of littering in our community.  Up to 80 percent of all stormwater pollution is the result of littering, pesticide use, improper disposal of motor oil and many others. The used oil from one car engine can produce an 8-acre oil slick. Do your part and stop dumping used motor in the trash or down storm drains.  Visit our Motor Oil page for tips on how to properly dispose of auto fluids. Leaves, branches and yard waste washed into storm drains deplete oxygen from the water as they decompose, which kills fish and other aquatic life. About 90 percent of the insects on your lawn are not harmful, so why risk polluting our waterways by overusing pesticides? Learn how to manage pests in ways that are safe for your children, pets and environment by visiting our Integrated Pest Management page. Litter in a community decreases property values by seven percent. Whether you own a business or a residential home, keep your community beautiful by encouraging others to reduce litter. For more information, visit http://www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=focus_litter_prevention