Fifteen years on, Monaco’s war on cigarette butts is still going strong and more important than ever…
The Monaco Zéro Mégot initiative, led by the Mairie in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Congress (DTC), returned this week with a fresh visual identity and a clear mission: to eliminate cigarette litter from Monaco’s streets, beaches, and public spaces.
Since its launch in 2009, the campaign has focused on raising awareness of the environmental damage caused by discarded cigarette butts, which take over a decade to break down and can contaminate vast quantities of water. So far this year, MégotBox collection points across the Principality have captured over 80,000 cigarette butts, preventing an estimated 35 million litres of water from being polluted.
To mark the campaign’s 15th anniversary, urban artist Anthony Alberti (aka Mr One Teas) has created a new design for the signature pocket ashtrays, combining humour and hard truth. These are now being distributed at welcome points across the city, including at SMEG/SMA and public venues like the Médiathèque and Stade Nautique Rainier III.
Ten additional MégotBox receptacles have also been installed at Monaco’s summer village, alongside long-standing units at locations including the Condamine Market and Espace Léo Ferré. The idea is simple: give people convenient ways to dispose of cigarette butts properly — and educate them on why it matters.
With its clear messaging, eye-catching visuals, and tangible environmental benefits, Monaco Zéro Mégot is more than a campaign. It’s a civic duty, a public service, and a wake-up call: in one of the world’s cleanest cities, there’s no excuse for throwing your butt on the ground.
More at: www.mairie.mc.
