Sintra volunteers collect 98,000 cigarette butts from beaches

Participants of the Sintra Jovem Volunteering program removed more than 98,000 cigarette butts from beaches in Sintra during the summer. Cleaning operations and environmental awareness activities took place at São Julião, Magoito, Maçãs, Grande, and Adraga beaches.

The Sintra Municipality noted that cigarette butts pose a significant environmental threat because their filters are largely composed of synthetic fibers that persist in the environment for years, and each butt can contain approximately 4,000 toxic substances.

In addition to collecting cigarette waste, volunteers recovered beach toys for the Rebrinca project to promote reuse. The initiative also included the Eco Bola game to educate beachgoers on recycling, material reuse, and responsible environmental behaviors.