Alcome eco‑organism signs contracts with Franche‑Comté towns to cut cigarette‑butt litter

Around forty municipalities across the French region of Franche‑Comté, including Besançon, Belfort, Vesoul and Dole, have entered into agreements with Alcome, an eco‑organism authorized by the Ministry of the Ecological Transition. Alcome’s stated aim is to reduce the total number of discarded cigarette butts on the ground in France by 40 %.

Under the contracts, Alcome provides municipalities with up to €2.08 per resident in densely‑populated areas and supplies street ashtrays, pocket‑size ashtrays and other equipment to encourage proper disposal. It also supports national awareness campaigns on correct disposal practices.

Anti‑smoking groups criticize the programme, arguing that Alcome functions as an extension of major tobacco manufacturers seeking to improve their public image while the underlying health risks of smoking remain unaddressed.