Addressing cigarette butt disposal behaviour on university campus in Portugal

Background: The cigarette butt (CB) is often overlooked, despite being an item of waste that has impacts on the environment. Few studies on CB littering are supported with a behaviour framework, and none have been conducted in Portugal in the context of a university campus. Objective: To identify solutions for the prevention of CB dispersion in the environment supported by a behaviour framework, using a Portuguese higher education campus as the study setting. Methods: A questionnaire was applied to a sample of 1933 campus users to understand their behaviour, perceptions and opinions regarding CB disposal. The assessment was based on a literature review regarding smokers’ disposal behaviour and on the Behaviour Change Wheel framework. The number and condition of the ashtrays on campus were identified, and the disposal behaviour of people who smoke was observed. Results: People that smoke and people that do not smoke have different perspectives on CB disposal. Most smokers litter more or less frequently, and 80% reported walking up to a trashcan or ashtray to dispose of it correctly, confirmed by observations. Drawing smokers’ attention to incorrect disposal of CB seems to be effective, but few engage in this activity. Conclusions: The main components of behaviour to intervene are opportunity (physical and social), and motivation (reflective and automatic), which can be done by reinforcing ashtray infrastructure that allows appropriate disposal of CB, as a starting point for habit formation, and as a base for awareness campaigns, promoting collective and individual responsibility.