The main goal of the #gopafree initiative is to reduce the environmental pollution caused by cigarette butts through an integrated circular system of collection and recycling. The program promotes behavioral change among citizens, enhances public cleanliness, and raises awareness about the impact of this type of waste on urban and coastal ecosystems. At the same time, it provides municipalities and businesses with a practical, scalable solution that contributes to their environmental responsibility and sustainable development goals.

The initiative addresses:

- Citizens of all ages, aiming to raise environmental awareness and promote behavioral change regarding littering.

- Municipalities and local authorities, seeking to improve the cleanliness and environmental image of public spaces.

- Businesses interested in integrating CSR and environmental actions into their workplaces or public-facing facilities.

- Students, youth, and volunteer groups, through educational programs and participatory activities.

- Tourists and visitors, especially in coastal areas, promoting a more sustainable travel experience.

The initiative began in late 2019 and has been actively evolving to this day, with continuous network expansion and growing social and environmental impact.

The #gopafree program was created to address the widespread environmental pollution caused by cigarette butts, one of the most common and toxic waste items in urban and coastal areas. The initiative is based on an innovative circular management model that combines the installation of dedicated cigarette butt collection bins, public awareness, and the final recycling of the collected waste.

Implementation is supported through close collaboration with municipalities and businesses, organizations, and major events, creating a network of collection points in public spaces, beaches, and commercial areas. The program treats cigarette butts as a resource, recycling them into new materials and promoting the principles of a circular economy.

Innovative features of #gopafree include:

- The first organized nationwide initiative for cigarette butt management with a complete chain from collection to recycling.

- The use of specially designed bins exclusively for cigarette butts, strategically placed in partner locations.

- Active citizen participation through awareness campaigns and educational actions.

- Collaboration between the public and private sectors, enhancing environmental responsibility.

- Measurable waste reduction and contribution to cleaner urban and coastal areas.

The #gopafree initiative is built on a broad network of partnerships with both public and private sector entities. Specifically, Cigaret Cycle NPO has developed active collaborations with over 25 municipalities across Greece, with a notable example being the Municipality of Piraeus, where more than 130 cigarette butt bins have been installed. At the same time, the program is implemented in partnership with businesses, cultural organizations, and major public events (such as festivals and marathons), integrating the initiative into CSR strategies and enhancing the sustainability of events and venues.

These collaborations are crucial to the success of the initiative, enabling local adaptation, community engagement, and maximum utilization of the collection and recycling infrastructure.

The #gopafree initiative is implemented by the Cigaret Cycle team through coordinated participation of staff specializing in environmental management, communications, strategy, and operations. The team is responsible for designing, manufacturing, and installing the collection bins, overseeing the collection process, and organizing public awareness activities.

At the same time, volunteers play an important role, particularly during awareness campaigns, beach and urban clean-up actions, and educational workshops in schools and local communities. These volunteer efforts significantly enhance the social impact of the initiative and actively contribute to the development of ecological awareness.

Cigaret Cycle’s approach promotes collective action, aiming to engage citizens, employees, and partners in a shared vision for cleaner, more sustainable public spaces.

The program is implemented nationwide in Greece, focusing on urban and coastal public spaces, beaches, municipalities, and businesses.

The #gopafree initiative has achieved significant, measurable results and generated strong social and environmental impact.

To date:

Over 14,000,000 cigarette butts have been collected, preventing contamination of land, water sources, and especially marine ecosystems, where cigarette filters can remain toxic for decades.

More than 1,000 specialized bins have been installed in urban, coastal, and corporate locations, improving public access and participation.

There are active collaborations with over 25 municipalities and more than 90 businesses, integrating the action into sustainability and CSR strategies.

Awareness campaigns and educational activities have reached thousands of citizens annually, enhancing ecological awareness and promoting behavioral change.

The visible reduction of cigarette litter in public spaces, beaches, and coastlines directly contributes to improved quality of life and the protection of marine biodiversity, while also strengthening citizens’ sense of participation and responsibility. #gopafree proves that environmental protection can be combined with public engagement and innovation, offering a scalable model for other environmental interventions.

The implementation of the #gopafree program has brought multiple benefits to Cigaret Cycle NPO, strengthening its role as a leader in innovation and environmental responsibility:

Established the organization as a pioneer in circular cigarette butt management in Greece, through a unique, fully structured model of collection and recycling.

Increased credibility and visibility across both local authorities and the private sector, leading to the expansion of partnerships and influence.

Highlighted Cigaret Cycle’s social mission, through actions that support sustainability and environmental education.

Attracted opportunities to participate in institutional innovations, awards, and international forums, while also enabling the expansion of the model to other waste streams.

Empowered the internal team, by engaging in a program with tangible social and environmental impact.

#gopafree has significantly enhanced Cigaret Cycle’s identity as a socially active and environmentally driven organization, paving the way for future initiatives with strong social and ecological value.