Cigarette Recycling: A Green Way To Put Out The Smoke? (VIDEO)

Cigarette butts have become a ubiquitous part of the human landscape, trampled on from city walkways to green parks. The Chicago Tribune reports that this waste takes 10-15 years to breakdown, but unfortunately never biodegrades, instead turning into a fine plastic powder that can remain in the ecosystem for years. It can have a toxic effect on the environment and wildlife as a result.

This video from CNN explores what's being done to address the problem of cigarette butts.

Blake Burich has found a simple process for recycling the filters into a "silly putty-like substance" that can help protect against corrosion and reinforce pipes. Additionally, New York State Assemblyman Michael Dendekker has proposed a cigarette recycling program for New York, a state that CNN reports produces 1.5 million tons of cigarette butts annually. Dendekker hopes the initiative will help spark a worldwide solution to cigarette waste.

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