19 May 2009 - Keep New Zealand Beautiful (KNZB), in conjunction with the Dunedin City Council is proud to announce the launch of a new campaign to rid the Dunedin's central city footpaths of cigarette butts.

The first phase of the programme, designed to encourage the appropriate disposal of cigarette butts, will see Dunedin City install 20 cigarette butts bins in key spots around the Octagon, chosen as a premier location for kick starting the programme.

Cigarette butts have become one of the most common rubbish items in New Zealand, especially since the changes to the Smokefree Environment Act in 2004 which banned indoor smoking, and are often found within the natural environment.

Common street rubbish bins are inadequate in addressing the problem as these potentially increase the risk of fire hazard.

"We are implementing a simple and effective solution to avert unsightly cigarette butts that are needlessly discarded," says Simon Johnston, CEO of Keep New Zealand Beautiful.

In 2006 KNZB tested the programme in a pilot initiative in Auckland, successfully demonstrating a significant reduction in the number of discarded cigarette butts and improving the local business and shopping environment. In 2008, KNZB launched a similar programme in Ponsonby, Auckland.

After gaining approval for the programme from Dunedin City Council, KNZB, together with local hospitality owners, will now work to further enhance central Dunedin as a destination point for locals and visitors alike.

"We believe that smokers will respond positively and dispose of their cigarette butts more responsibly and as a result we'll see a reduction in cigarette butts on our streets, storm-water drains and the environment," says Mr Johnston.

The KNZB Launch is being held 20 May 2009 at The Craft Bar, 10 The Octagon, Dunedin, 3.00pm - 4.00pm.