Yes, absolutely—and you’ve probably walked past one without even noticing. In many cities around the world, public waste bins now come with built-in sand urns specifically designed for cigarette butts. These are usually the small, metal tray-like compartments attached to the top or side of a regular trash bin, filled with sand or a similar granular material. Smokers can simply stub out their cigarettes in the sand before tossing the butt into the main bin, or in some designs, the sand itself acts as a fire-safe collection point.
I’ve seen them most commonly in urban areas with high foot traffic—train stations, bus stops, parks, and outside office buildings. Cities like London, New York, Tokyo, and Sydney have been rolling them out as part of anti-littering and fire safety campaigns. The sand serves two practical purposes: it extinguishes the cigarette quickly, and it prevents the butt from rolling away or being carried by the wind. Plus, it keeps the main waste compartment from catching fire, which is a real concern with paper and plastic trash.
One thing to note: not every public bin has one, and they’re more common in places with strict smoking regulations or active cleanliness programs. Some are even designed as standalone “butt bins” with a sand-filled urn and no general waste compartment. Next time you’re out, keep an eye on trash bins—you’ll spot the small, flat metal trays with sand pretty easily once you know what to look for.
So to answer your question plainly: yes, they exist, they’re increasingly common, and they’re a simple but effective way to keep cigarette litter off our streets. Just remember to always use them if you see one—every little bit helps keep public spaces clean and safe.