Kitchen Garden Forum

I was asked recently if cigarette butts can be composted, and had no idea what to say.

I suppose it is possible in theory, but wouldn't all the nasty chemicals in the ciggie end be all ...er... nasty?

Dear Marge, i certainly wouldn't put them in my compost heap.

i'm sure i read somewhere that gardeners years ago used to steep them in water and use the spray for bugs . i wouldn't have the nasty things anywhere near anything growing!
Apologies any smokers i'm reformed we're always the least tolerant.

I use mine in the compost, hand-rolled without filter. Apparently they make a fine insecticide, though I admit I haven't tried this yet.

Oh dear we are back to Nicotine again! A few fag ends on your compost will only do good and certainly they will do no harm.
If you were to grow Nicotiana flowers in the garden you would not bat an eyelid to compost those. Well just think that Nicotiana are full of Nicotine.
Nicotine concentrate, if used properly, is on of the finest natural insecticide known to man. I use Nicotine as an insecticide and because it is not selective in what it kills it must be used with caution. I spray in late evening when it is almost dark. This means that the Bees have gone to bed and I obviously do not spray anything that is in bloom.
JB.

Filter tips would be about as much use in the compost as nylon teabags

For once we agree Alan!
JB.

Thanks for the info. I will certainly pass it on forthwith!

Don't know how accurate it is but filter tips are
not degradable as they have glass in them.
Like I said don't know for sure but take no chances
with my butts (yes I know!) so I always put them
out and then bin them and never throw them on
the ground.
However on the other thread I think I might try
lighting up on Lottie as have loads of flea beetles.