This activity is organised as part of the European Week for Waste Reduction. Taking place from 21 to 29 November, EWWR 2026 is all about material sufficiency. Driven by local and regional public authorities, it brings together individuals, schools, businesses, NGOs and associations to encourage people to think and learn more about how to reduce and prevent waste, and to realise just why that is necessary. 

This particular activity is all about collecting discarded cigarette butts. Very useful in itself, but it has a circular twist to it: the collected cigarette butts are incinerated and converted into energy which is used in Vienna’s district heating system. This process gives the collected material a useful purpose and helps recover energy that would otherwise be lost. 

The event will also present Modena Fashion, an innovative initiative that transforms cigarette filters into new clothing. This approach explores the potential to turn tobacco-related waste into new materials and fashion products, demonstrating how discarded cigarette filters can become a resource rather than simply ending up in the environment.

The art show will feature artists who reuse collected cigarette butts in their art to raise awareness.

Come and see what collecting cigarette butts can lead to! 

It will take place (in person and in German) at 18:00 - 21:00 CET on 26 November at the Municipal District Office, 10.Bezirk in Vienna. Read all about it.