The great cigarette butt collection - Sept 20 to 30, 2026
A participatory citizen challenge to take action against cigarette butt pollution and protect our ecosystems.
A cigarette butt: small waste, massive impact.
of water contaminated by a single butt. It contains nearly 5'000 chemicals, 150 of which are highly toxic.
butts discarded in nature every year. It is the most widespread waste on the planet.
to decompose. It releases 15'000 microplastics that end up in the food chain.
of global forest fires are linked to cigarette butts—an area equivalent to Germany every year.
Sources: WHO, CNCT, FAO
The Water Lover Challenge is 10 days to collect as many cigarette butts as possible to depollute the planet and bring the subject to the center of the debate.
Whether you are a school, a company, or an individual wanting to get involved... anyone can participate. Register with your email so we can share tips to optimize your collection and keep you informed of the action's progress.
RegisterEquip yourself with a pair of gloves and recycled PET bottles. Pick up as many butts as you can anywhere: parks, beaches, streets, forests, cities, or mountains... everywhere! You can do this alone or with friends, family, or colleagues!
Submit your total count of collected butts here with a photo as proof. Your number will be added to the total, updated every evening at 8 PM during the challenge. With a little luck, you might win one of the prizes offered by our partners, drawn among participants.
Validate a collectionThis year, for the 5th edition, we can do even better.
Our Ambassador
You likely saw him swim over 191 km, in 5 days and 4 nights, non-stop between Calvi and Monaco to defend water preservation and biodiversity. This year, for the 5th consecutive year, he uses his community of over 850,000 people to amplify the voice of the Water Lover Challenge in the media and on social networks.
Our mission: use sport to raise awareness about the importance of protecting Nature.
They are talking about the challenge:
Record to beat: 1'024'016 cigarette butts
collected in one day, set during the 2023 edition.
Together, we can make a difference! We're counting on you!
To everyone who wants to get involved in protecting the planet from the ravages of cigarette butts. With friends, family, or neighbors. Smoker or not, everyone is welcome. A few minutes are enough to make all the difference.
I'm taking partOrganize a collection with your colleagues. Unite your employees around a concrete gesture with a measurable and communicable impact.
Opportunity to become a sponsor and benefit from:
Turn a lesson into a mini-school outing and an active citizenship lesson. In 2026, a complete educational kit is provided for every participating institution.
Leave your email and sign up now.
Our partners and supporters.
Communication, Sponsoring, Challenge Organization, Media Relations...
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