Calanques Propres 2026: a record turnout against cigarette butts

Every year, the Mediterranean coast faces significant pollution, particularly in heavily visited natural areas such as the Calanques. To tackle the problem, the Calanques Propres operation brings together members of the public, associations, local authorities and businesses around a common goal: preserving the beauty and richness of these exceptional landscapes.

A 23rd edition marked by commitment

For its 23rd edition, Calanques Propres once again mobilised a large number of volunteers on the ground. From Marseille to La Ciotat, by way of the Côte Bleue, participants gathered to clean beaches, footpaths, harbours, the seabed and sensitive natural areas.

Beyond simply picking up litter, the operation also helps to understand where the waste found in the environment comes from. The rubbish collected is sorted, counted and analysed in order to identify the main sources of pollution and adapt prevention work accordingly.

A committed partnership with Alcome

For this 23rd edition, the Calanques Propres operation also relied on a partnership with Alcome, the body approved by the French State to reduce the number of cigarette butts discarded in public spaces.

Through its “Mon Mégot Où Il Faut” campaign, Alcome supports awareness work encouraging the right habits among smokers and limiting the presence of butts in the natural environment. The collaboration makes it possible in particular to analyse this type of waste more closely, to strengthen prevention campaigns and to promote simple solutions such as pocket ashtrays.

The stated aim is clear: to bring about a lasting reduction in cigarette butts left in public spaces and protect sensitive natural areas such as the Calanques.

Cigarette butts at the heart of this edition

This year the focus was on a particularly common form of litter in public spaces: the cigarette butt. Small, inconspicuous and often dropped without thinking, it nevertheless represents a real threat to soil, water and biodiversity.

A discarded butt can contain numerous polluting substances and take several years to break down. When it is dropped on the ground, it can be carried away by rain, enter the storm water system and end up in the sea. That is how an apparently trivial act can have lasting consequences for the environment.

16,000 cigarette butts collected during the operation

During this 23rd edition, close to 16,000 cigarette butts were collected. The figure is a striking reminder of how present this waste remains in everyday life, particularly in tourist areas, urban spaces and busy places.

The result also shows how effective collective action can be. Thanks to the volunteers, thousands of butts were removed from the environment before they could pollute the Calanques and the Mediterranean coast further.

Simple habits for smokers

The fight against cigarette butts begins with simple habits. For smokers, adopting the right reflexes considerably reduces the environmental impact of a cigarette.

• Use a pocket ashtray when out and about
• Never drop a butt on the ground, even in town
• Put a cigarette out properly before throwing it into a suitable bin
• Make use of the ashtrays provided in public spaces
• Make those around you aware of the consequences of discarded butts

These habits may seem simple, but they have a real impact when they are adopted day after day.

A necessary awareness

Calanques Propres is a reminder that protecting the environment depends on everyone’s responsibility. Clean-up operations are essential, but they are not enough on their own. Prevention, education and changes in behaviour remain indispensable if pollution is to be reduced in the long term.

Cigarette butts should no longer be regarded as small pieces of litter with no consequences. Their accumulation in the natural environment is a real problem, particularly for marine environments and fragile coastal areas.

Preserving the Calanques, a collective challenge

The Calanques are among the finest natural landscapes in the Mediterranean. Preserving them depends on the commitment of local players, but also of visitors, residents and everyone who uses the coast.

This 23rd edition of Calanques Propres shows that public mobilisation can produce concrete results. It is also a reminder that every action counts, whether you smoke or not.

By adopting the right habits and respecting natural areas, everyone can help protect the Calanques and limit the amount of waste in the environment.