Cigarette Litter Prevention Program

Port St. Lucie is committed to keeping our community clean, safe, and beautiful—and that includes tackling one of the most common forms of litter in the nation: cigarette butts.

The Cigarette Litter Prevention Program (CLPP) is a city-wide initiative led by Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful (KPSLB) and backed by Keep America Beautiful (KAB) to reduce the environmental impact of tobacco waste. Since launching in 2019, the program has partnered with local businesses, parks, marinas, and community spaces to promote responsible disposal and raise awareness about cigarette litter.

Why it matters

Cigarette butts may seem small, but they cause big problems:

They make up nearly 38% of roadway litter in the U.S.
Filters are made of non-biodegradable plastic and can linger in the environment for up to 10 years.
Discarded butts often wash into storm drains, polluting waterways and harming wildlife.
A study found 65% of smokers litter, especially when ash receptacles aren't nearby.

How businesses can get involved

Standing ash receptacle The City works with the community and a variety of businesses to expand outreach and reduce cigarette litter.

Golf Courses & Boaters: Targeted messaging and placement of receptacles at recreational areas.
Commercial Plazas: Ash receptacle stands installed at East Port Plaza & Sympatico Plaza. East Port saw a 26.83% decrease in cigarette litter while Sympatico Plaza achieved a 64.89% reduction.

Free ash receptacles

KPSLB offers free ash receptacle stands and CLPP Gift Boxes (while supplies last) to businesses and property managers committed to creating cleaner spaces.

Contact KPSLB at kpslb@cityofpsl.com to learn more about receiving a free ash receptable.

Join the effort and spread awareness

Whether you're a resident, business owner, or visitor, you can help:

Use proper disposal bins for cigarette waste
Encourage others to do the same
Spread awareness about the environmental impact

Free toolkit

KPSLB has a free digital media toolkit with various graphics available for download to help you engage with others in your community about the importance of cigarette litter prevention. We encourage you to share your prevention messages on social media. Here are some sample messages to get you started!

History of CLPP

The Cigarette Litter Prevention Program (CLPP) was created by Keep America Beautiful in 2002 and is the nation's largest program aimed at eliminating cigarette butt and cigar tip litter. Since its inception, the program has been successfully implemented in more than 1,800 communities nationwide. Over the past decade, participating communities have consistently cut cigarette butt litter by 50 percent based on local measurements taken in the first four months to six months after program implementation.

KPSLB kicked off its CLPP in 2019, building strong alliances with task force partners and new community collaborators—including the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast (MIATC), Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup team, The Saints Golf Course, and the Parks & Recreation Department at C-24 Canal Park. The initiative zeroed in on litter reduction among local boaters and golfers, encouraging responsible habits and cleaner recreational spaces.

In 2020, KPSLB received a $20,000 CLPP grant from Keep America Beautiful and efforts expanded with a new emphasis on commercial properties. KPSLB provided The Saints Golf Course ash receptacle stands, cups, litter grabbers, and other tools free of charge to encourage proper disposal.

In 2021, KPSLB was awarded a $15,000 grant. In 2022, a second grant for $20,000 followed, allowing the program to shift its focus to litter in East Port Plaza and Sympatico Plaza.

Today, KPSLB continues to strengthen ties with business and property owners across Port St. Lucie by offering complimentary ash receptacle stands and CLPP Gift Boxes (while supplies last), reinforcing the city’s commitment to litter prevention and environmental responsibility.

Our Partners

🎉 Honorable Mention: Wayne Landry, KPSLB Ambassador
The City and KPSLB proudly recognize Wayne Landry for his outstanding dedication and service as a KPSLB Ambassador. Wayne has been a vital supporter of the City’s Cigarette Litter Prevention Program, consistently demonstrating leadership and commitment to keeping our community clean and beautiful. His efforts have helped raise awareness, reduce litter, and inspire others to take pride in their environment. We thank Wayne for his continued passion and contributions to this important cause.