Attitudes, behaviours, and environmental perceptions of cigarette butt littering in Aizawl city: Insights into policy and interventions

Cigarette butt (CB) littering remains a widespread environmental issue caused by an interplay of psychological, infrastructural, and socio-behavioural factors. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the attitudes, behaviours, perceptions, and awareness regarding CB littering using a questionnaire-based survey and to develop evidence-based policy recommendations. The survey was conducted in Aizawl, Mizoram, India, specifically considering the city’s socio-demographics, with a very high prevalence of cigarette consumption, and is often termed the cancer capital of India. A total of 808 responses were analyzed, focusing on demographic characteristics, smoking habits, knowledge and beliefs about CBs, littering behaviours, disposal methods, and awareness of potential solutions. A key finding reveals a disconnect between general environmental awareness and specific knowledge, where a substantial portion of the population mistakenly believes CBs are biodegradable. This misconception is the strongest predictor of littering behaviour (OR = 18.83). The survey found that littering is affected by insufficient disposal infrastructure, convenience, and a high degree of desensitization to litter, with males having significantly higher littering rates than females (OR = 2.042). The findings provide a data-driven imperative for Aizawl to move beyond traditional anti-littering efforts. Policy recommendations focus on a holistic strategy that integrates targeted communication to address specific misconceptions about biodegradability, the strategic placement of engaging, fire-proof waste infrastructure in high-littering hotspots, and a phased, localized approach to waste valorization. This study provides policymakers with actionable insights to mitigate CB littering and promote a more sustainable community.