The "Bottle the Butts" campaign, a public health and environmental initiative by Mission Green Mumbai, aims to mitigate the litter and environmental impact caused by discarded cigarette butts. Subhajit Mukherjee, the founder of this mission, asserts that cigarette butts are among the most prevalent forms of litter, posing a significant environmental hazard due to their slow degradation, potential leaching of toxic chemicals into the environment, and harm to wildlife that may ingest them.

Mukherjee emphasizes that the campaign primarily encourages smokers to dispose of their cigarette butts in designated receptacles, often in the form of specialized containers or "butt bins." These receptacles, sometimes referred to as "butt bottles," are designed to resemble small containers, allowing smokers to easily extinguish their cigarettes and safely deposit the butts. For those without access to such bins, an alternative method involves creating cigarette butt bricks by collecting the butts in a plastic bottle. This method facilitates the convenient disposal and recycling of the dry and hazardous waste”.

He explains, "Improper disposal of these butts can prove fatal for animals and fish if swallowed. Cleaning workers often struggle to collect them due to their small size, while government bodies face challenges in their proper disposal. I initiated this experiment in my office's smoking zone by placing two cigarette butts in a plastic bottle, which was filled with butts within a week. This method facilitates easy recycling under the dry waste category. I encourage everyone to try this experiment in their residential communities and offices to promote responsible waste collection."

The "Bottle the Butts" campaign also incorporates educational awareness programs to highlight the environmental consequences of improperly discarded cigarette butts and promote responsible disposal. Additionally, the team advocates for recycling initiatives for cigarette butts and encourages the use of biodegradable filters as alternatives to traditional plastic filters.

Mukherjee further emphasizes, "The campaigns aim to minimize litter, safeguard the environment, and enhance public health by addressing the widespread issue of cigarette butt pollution. They are often organized by environmental organizations, local governments, or other concerned groups to raise awareness and engage the community in addressing this problem."