SANTA CRUZ, CA (June 11, 2025) — The Santa Cruz City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance that would prohibit the sale of filtered tobacco products within City limits, making Santa Cruz one of the first cities in the nation to advance this environmental and public health policy.

The ordinance, which amends Chapter 6.07 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code, aims to reduce tobacco product waste (TPW), a significant contributor to plastic pollution and environmental harm, particularly in coastal communities like Santa Cruz. Cigarette filters, made of non-biodegradable plastic such as cellulose acetate, are the most littered item on the planet. These filters break down into harmful microplastics, leach toxins into ecosystems, and pose serious risks to wildlife and human health.

“We owe it to future generations to take bold action today to protect our environment,” said Mayor Fred Keeley. “This ordinance reflects our long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship. By banning filtered tobacco products, a persistent source of plastic pollution, we’re taking meaningful steps toward cleaner streets, healthier ecosystems, and a more sustainable future for our coast, our community, and our planet.”

The ordinance follows years of local and regional collaboration, including support from the County-led Tobacco Waste Ad Hoc Subcommittee and the Tobacco Education Coalition. Since 2017, extensive public education and community engagement, including school presentations, cleanups, surveys, and bilingual outreach campaigns, have laid the groundwork for this policy shift.

A 2023 NOAA study found that nearly a quarter of marine debris in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is tobacco-related, with cigarette filters comprising more than 94% of that waste. Locally, cleanup costs for tobacco litter in the City of Santa Cruz are estimated to exceed $2 million annually.

“Santa Cruz is proud to lead on environmental protection and public health,” said Vice Mayor Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson. “This policy sends a clear message: we are committed to ending preventable pollution and supporting a healthier future for our residents. Local action like this reflects our values and contributes to global climate resilience.”

The final adoption of the ordinance is scheduled for the June 24, 2025, City Council meeting. If adopted, the City will launch a coordinated outreach and education campaign to assist retailers and inform the public, in partnership with County agencies and community health organizations.

For more information, visit http://www.bit.ly/TPWcityofsantacruz

Addendum

NextSpace member Taylor Lane sparked the cigarette filter ban with his award-winning cigarette surfboard. At Next Talk and First Friday showcase, he’ll now present his boards and documentary at MAH for broader public exposure. Taylor has also displayed at Santa Cruz Works Blue Innovation Day.

City Council Votes to Advance Policy Banning the Sale of Cigarettes