No fines for discarded cigarette butts were issued in Luxembourg in 2024

David Valentine, Unsplash

Environment Minister Serge Wilmes has responded to a parliamentary enquiry into the fight against discarded cigarette butts. According to the report, no fines were issued for cigarette filter litter in 2024. This raises questions about the actual implementation of the 2022 Act, which provides fines for such offences.

However, the authorities recognise that littering remains a serious problem. The Minister noted that the control strategy includes two areas:

Awareness-raising campaigns

From October 2024, the Ministry of the Environment, the Water Authority and Valorlux ASBL are launching a campaign that will run until autumn 2025. As part of this initiative, tobacco product manufacturers are required to fund information about the harm of cigarette butts and how to dispose of them.

Strengthening control and infrastructure development

Authorities are considering increased monitoring and installing special containers for cigarette butts in areas where they are most often discarded.

In addition, from 1 January 2024, cigarette manufacturers are required to reduce the number of discarded cigarette butts by 10% annually. They also cover the costs of collecting and recycling cigarette filters.

Despite the lack of fines, the fight against cigarette butts is being pursued through producer responsibility and educational programmes. But how effective this will be without real control is an open question.

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