Clean-up near Darlington hospital collects 5,000 butts

The clean-up, led by Darlington Council’s public health team and the Darlington Stop Smoking Hub, collected 5,000 cigarette butts in just two hours.

The project forms part of the council’s broader efforts to promote environmental sustainability, healthier living, and longer life expectancy for residents.

Some of the thousands of cigarette butts cleared from around Darlington Memorial Hospital (Image: Supplied)

Cigarette butts are among the most commonly littered items worldwide and can take up to a decade to break down.

They also leach toxic chemicals into soil and waterways, posing threats to both the environment and wildlife.

Lorraine Hughes, director of public health at Darlington Council, said: “Quitting smoking is the single best action you can take for better health.

“Within weeks, you’ll breathe easier, feel more energetic, and lower your risk of serious illnesses like cancer, heart attack, stroke, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

“Many people also report feeling calmer, happier, and less anxious just a few weeks after quitting.

“It’s better for your bank balance too and could save you over £2,000 a year.

“Our friendly local stop smoking services are here to help you quit for good – giving you the best advice on how to kick the habit and ease your cravings.

“Even if you’ve been unsuccessful in the past – please don’t give up; your next quit attempt could be the one that works and changes your life.

“It’s never too late.”

The 5,000 cigarette butts collected represent around £3,500 spent on tobacco products and roughly a month of lost life, with each cigarette estimated to reduce life expectancy by 11 minutes.

Darlington Stop Smoking Hub offers free advice, guidance and evidence-based support.

Appointments can be booked at www.darlington.gov.uk/stop-smoking or by calling 0800 802 1850.

400 free licences for the NHS Smoke Free app are also available for Darlington residents at https://smokefreeapp.com/.

Councillor Stephen Harker, leader of Darlington Council, said: “We are committed to making sure people in Darlington live longer in good health and initiatives like this, provide fresh opportunities to engage with our communities about issues which impact their health and wellbeing.

“Smoking is the single largest driver of health inequalities – something we are determined to address in Darlington.

“Smoking prevalence in the borough is now the second lowest in the region, and lower than the UK average.

“Referrals to local stop smoking services continue to increase, and more people than ever are benefitting from kicking the habit.

“However, one in 13 local people continue to smoke.

“The small action taken by our staff and partner colleagues has helped prevent plastic particles entering soil and drains and toxic chemicals from leaching into the local environment – protecting local wildlife, waterways and public health.”