MMDA: Cigarette butts, candy wrappers most common litter in Metro Manila in 2025

Cigarette butts and candy wrappers are among the most common wastes collected in parts of Metro Manila last year, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

Data from the MMDA-Health Sanitation Services Coordination and Assistance Division (HSSCD) showed there were five most common types of litter collected across Metro Manila in 2025.

These are:

1. cigarette butt
2. candy wrapper
3. plastic
4. others (tissue, bus ticket, receipts, facemasks, etc.)
5. obstruction

"Ipinapakita ng datos na ang mga simpleng uri ng basura tulad ng cigarette butt, candy wrapper, at plastic waste ang kadalasang itinatapon sa mga kalsada, bangketa, at pampublikong lugar," the MMDA said on a Facebook post.

(The data shows that simple types of garbages like cigarette butt, candy wrapper, and plastic wastes are among the common litters in streets, sidewalks and public places.)

"Nagpapaalala naman ang MMDA na sundin ang mga ordinansa at wastong pagtatapon ng basura. Ang pagkakaroon ng disiplina sa lansangan ay malaking tulong upang mapanatili ang kalinisan sa Kalakhang Maynila," it added.

(The MMDA is reminding the public to follow ordinances and proper waste management. Observing discipline will also help in maintaining the clealiness of Metro Manila.)

It's worth mentioning that cigarette butts take up to 10 years to decompose, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), and often end up polluting the oceans.

Meanwhile, the MMDA said in 2021 that plastic makes up some 17.36% of non-household waste. 

— Sundy Mae Locus/LA, GMA Integrated News