Local authorities are preparing to deal with up to 25 tonnes of extra cigarette rubbish that could be dumped on Britain's streets every day as a result of the smoking bans.
The Local Government Association (LGA), a cross-party organisation which represents over 400 councils in England and Wales, is warning that street cleaners will need to concentrate on areas outside pubs and clubs in the months following 1 July, as smokers step outside.
Town halls are gearing up to deal with the hundreds of extra tonnes of cigarette butts, matches and cigarette boxesAn LGA spokesman.
Councils are:- working with local businesses to provide ash trays and special containers outside pubs and restaurants,- handing out free cigarette pouches for smokers,- launching advertising campaigns to ask people not to throw their butts on the ground
An estimated 122 tonnes of cigarette litter is dropped every day across the UK.
Figures from Dublin show that cigarette litter rose by 20% following the Irish ban in 2003.
The LGA fears that the same could happen in England and Wales.
Cllr David Rogers, LGA spokesman for the smokefree legislation, said: "Town halls are gearing up to deal with the hundreds of extra tonnes of cigarette butts, matches and cigarette boxes that could be carelessly chucked onto our streets by smokers after July 1st.
"Any littering is unacceptable but town halls are ensuring that smokers are given the opportunity to dispose of their rubbish responsibly. Councils will be working to help businesses respond to the new legislation."
"Fag ends are particularly tricky to clean up as they fall into grates and cracks in the pavement. They also contain toxins which, if left, can get into the water system posing a threat to the environment and wildlife.
"The introduction of smoke-free workplaces represents the best chance to improve the public's health for decades. However, councils are working hard to keep the streets clean and tidy and to ensure that unintended consequences of the legislation are minimised."
Wirral Council is installing 50 bins, Camden Council will be handing out thousands of free ashtrays, Wigan Council will be giving out cigarette pouches and ash trays to local pubs, Colchester, Chelmsford and Braintree councils have teamed up and will be giving away free ash-trays and bulk buying cigarette bins for pubs and Thurrock Council is handing out thousands of butt pouches for smokers.
East Devon District Council is introducing special 'stub it and bin it' containers.
Tell us if your local authority is offering to help in any way.