Smoking-related litter remains top item found on U.S. beaches, Surfrider report says

(WWAY) — A new report from the Surfrider Foundation says cigarette butts continue to be the most commonly collected item during beach cleanups across the United States, while disposable vapes and nicotine pouches are becoming an increasingly common source of coastal litter.

The nonprofit released its annual Beach Cleanup Report following what it calls the “dirtiest beach day of the year” — the period after the Fourth of July holiday when beaches often experience a surge in litter from holiday crowds.

According to the report, smoking-related waste now accounts for one in every four littered items found on U.S. beaches.

Surfrider estimates that approximately 4.5 trillion cigarette butts enter the environment globally each year. The organization also reported finding more disposable vapes and nicotine pouches during cleanups than in previous years, describing the trend as a growing concern because the products contain plastic components and other materials that can release chemicals into the environment.

The report cites an estimated 500,000 disposable vapes discarded each day and says nicotine pouch sales have increased by 641%, contributing to the rise in smoking-related litter found during beach cleanups.

The Surfrider Foundation said it hopes the findings will encourage efforts to reduce plastic pollution and smoking-related waste on beaches and in coastal communities.

The nonprofit conducts beach cleanups nationwide each year and uses the data collected by volunteers to identify trends in marine debris.