A smoking receptacle is a type of container designed to safely extinguish and collect cigarette butts and other smoking waste. It is designed with oxygen-restricting openings or internal snuff plates to choke out smouldering tobacco and help prevent fires. They are made from durable, rust-resistant materials like stainless steel or polyethylene for outdoor use. They work alongside garbage bins and recycling bins to keep outdoor spaces clean.

You should put cigarette butts, ash and used matches into a cigarette receptacle. Cigarette butts are the leftover filters and remaining tobacco from smoked cigarettes. Ash is the grey powder that’s left behind from burning tobacco, and matches are small sticks used to light cigarettes. Do not put regular garbage like food wrappers, food or disposable cups in a cigarette receptacle because these items can create a fire risk. Cigarette receptacles should be emptied on a weekly basis or daily for areas with heavy traffic.

Smoking receptacles can be placed in legal, designated outdoor smoking areas that are a safe distance from building openings and public walkways. Designated smoking areas can include outdoor break spaces, courtyards or patios. Receptacles need to be kept away from windows, doors and air vents to prevent smoke from drifting inside. Be sure to check local smoking bylaws to know how far smoking receptacles need to be placed from your building. You can place caution signs like no-smoking signs to let people know where they can and cannot smoke.

Yes, smoking receptacles can help reduce cigarette butt litter when placed in high-traffic areas. Smokers are less likely to throw butts on the ground when proper cigarette disposal options are nearby. Make sure cigarette receptacles are placed near areas like building entrances, transit stops and park borders, so they target areas where people finish smoking before entering non-smoking areas. Keep outdoor areas clean by having plenty of garbage bags and garbage bins available for people to use.