Port Douglas is Tackling Cigarette Waste through Ditch the FlickĀ®
The Ditch the Flick campaign, led by the combined efforts of Tangaroa Blue’s ReefClean program and local partners, has been implemented in several locations, as well as in the heart of Port Douglas, where remarkable progress has been made over recent months to reduce cigarette butt litter in the community.
Why should you Ditch the Flick?
The Australian Marine Debris Initiative Database shows cigarettes to be one of the most prevalent debris items found in clean-ups, and their impact on the environment can be devastating. Whilst most of a cigarette is “biodegradable”, the filters are made of plastic, which breaks down into microplastics and plastic fragments over approximately 10 years. From there, these plastic remnants can leach into soil, waterways, and the ocean. With Port Douglas being a hub for eco-tourism and marine life, initiatives like Ditch the Flick are impactful.Ā
Mint Tins to Personal Bins
One of the standout features of this campaign is the ‘Mint Tin’ project, which repurposes mint tins as personal cigarette butt buns. In 2025, 511 mint tins were distributed to local smokers, encouraging them to take responsibility for their litter. This direct involvement not only provides a practical solution but also raises awareness among smokers.
Introducing GPS Technology
In addition to individual efforts, Tangaroa Blue staff are actively monitoring the prevalence of cigarette butt litter in key areas, such as the Port Douglas Marina and Macrossan Street, using CyberTracker GPS technology. Heatmaps produced from this data not only allow staff to assess bin availability but also identify cigarette butt hotpots.Ā
Joining Forces with Local Partners
By collaborating with the Douglas Shire Council, we’ve also rebranded existing cigarette butt bins to enhance visibility and encourage usage. The goal? To make responsible and correct disposal an accessible and easy choice for everyone.
As the wet season approaches, all of us need to contribute to the cleanliness of our waterways. The creek that runs through Magnum Accommodation, Airlie Beach, flows directly into the ocean, only a few hundred metres away. Thanks to the combined efforts of our team and our partner at Magnum Accommodation, there are now four Ditch the Flick cigarette butt bins placed strategically around the property in “socialising” hotspots, to encourage responsible disposal.Ā
Change Starts with Us
The Ditch the Flick campaign is more than just a Source Reduction Plan; it’s also a community movement aimed at safeguarding our marine environment for the future. With the collaboration of ReefClean, local partners, and community members, we can Protect the Reef one cigarette butt at a time!Ā Ā
