Yes—but only if urban trash bins are adapted for that purpose, not just used as ordinary mixed-waste bins. A typical city trash can is not a good fit for cigarette butt recycling because butts get mixed with food waste, liquids, paper, and general litter. That contamination makes collection messy, smelly, and expensive to process. For a real program, cities need dedicated collection points: bins with small ashtray-style openings, fire-resistant liners, and a separate inner container for butts. Clear signage also matters, because people need an obvious place to stub out and drop the butt instead of tossing it into the general waste stream.
The practical model is usually a hybrid: a public street bin with a separate butt compartment, or a stand-alone ashtray bin near transit stops, parks, and building entrances. These units should be emptied often, since cigarette waste can smolder, create odors, and overflow quickly. Collection crews need a separate bagging or route system, and the material should go to a specialist recycler that can handle cellulose acetate filters and remove paper, tobacco, and packaging.
Cost and contamination are the biggest challenges. If a bin is just a normal trash can with a sticker saying “cigarette butts here,” recycling rates will likely be low and contamination high. If the bin is well designed, paired with public education, and serviced reliably, urban bins can absolutely support a cigarette butt recycling program. The key is separate, fire-safe collection—not mixing butts with general trash.