Keller Administration Goes After Cigarette Companies for Litter in Streets

ALBUQUERQUE – The City of Albuquerque has taken legal action against the tobacco industry for widespread harm caused by plastic cigarette filters that are being littered throughout the city. 

The lawsuit filed Wednesday named seven manufacturers and one local distributor responsible for selling tobacco products with plastic-filter designs. The cigarette filters, or “butts,” that are primarily made from cellulose acetate are a form of persistent plastic waste that does not biodegrade under typical conditions. The filters remain in the environment and fragment into smaller pieces of plastic that can be carried by wind and stormwater into the City’s drainage system and waterways.

“Our storm drains should carry water, not toxic garbage,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “And the companies profiting from these products should take responsibility for the lasting harm they have on the environment and our essential systems.” 

The City maintains an extensive network of public infrastructure that is directly affected by litter and stormwater pollution that includes parks, streets, sidewalks, storm drains and waterways.

The complaint alleges the manufacturers have known for decades that these types of filters are commonly littered and create environmental and municipal burdens, but they have continued selling the same plastic-filter design rather than adopting feasible alternatives. The City has had to spend time, money, and other resources on their removal and on increased maintenance of City properties that are frequently littered with these cigarette butts.

The lawsuit seeks direct recovery costs related to the physical impacts of discarded filters including for cleanup, removal, maintenance, environmental response and abatement.

We reached back out to the Mayor’s office to see if the City of Albuquerque will cite people who are seen littering cigarette butts in the streets. We will update the story if they respond to our inquiry.

It seems it is just easier to go after big tobacco instead of holding the smokers responsible for their own actions.

The City of Albuquerque is among a list of other cities filing similar lawsuits due to the negative environmental impacts. The lawsuit was filed in the Second Judicial District Court. A copy of the complaint is attached.