Butt Free Australia

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Butt Free Australia: Background

Butt Free Australia is the trading name of the Butt Littering Trust – a product stewardship initiative established in 2003 by British American Tobacco Australia (BAT Australia).

BAT Australia wanted to demonstrate its commitment to proactive environmental management of the issue of cigarette butt litter through a vehicle that would provide for collaboration with other manufacturers, program service providers and government at all levels.

Nolan-ITU, an independent waste minimisation and environmental consultancy, was commissioned to prepare a scoping paper for the purposes of discussion and gathering of feedback and expressions of interest.

After extensive independent consultation with government, anti-littering groups, industry and environmental groups, the Trust model was adopted and funded by BAT Australia for an initial two year trial period.

One million dollars was allocated for successful project grant applications, supported by additional funding for all ongoing costs associated with the management of the Butt Littering Trust.

Butt Free Australia is nevertheless wholly independent in its operation and decision-making. Since its inception the Trust has been managed by Trustees, just as a Committee of Management or Board manages any other not-for-profit organisation. The principles that guide the Trustee's are clearly set out in the Trust Deed.

The Butt Littering Trust was managed under contract by Nolan ITU (which later became Hyder Consulting) in Sydney for the first five years. An office was then established in Melbourne in 2008, staffed full time by the Trust's Chief Executive Officer and Project Manager.

BAT Australia continues to be the major contributor, agreeing to extend funding for another two years, based on the Trust's 2009–2011 Strategic Plan.

As part of this plan, the Butt Littering Trust rebranded as Butt Free Australia in December 2009. The new trading name serves to support clearer communication and further strengthen the Trust's position as the leading advocate in cigarette butt litter management.

This positioning was further strengthened in August 2010 when a public company limited by guarantee, also known as Butt Free Australia was appointed as the corporate trustee for the Butt Littering Trust.

The company was formed for the sole purpose of acting as trustee of the Trust and undertaking the charitable activities described in the Trust Deed. This move streamlines the day-to-day management and operation of the Trust while continuing to reinforce its role and independence. The (former) individual Trustees are the directors of the company.

On 21 September 2011 Butt Free Australia, as trustee of Butt Littering Trust, announced that the Trust will cease operation at the end of 2011.

The decision was made on 16 September 2011, following advice from British American Tobacco Limited that they are not in a position to continue financial support of the Trust beyond the end of the year.

Since its establishment in 2003 Butt Littering Trust has developed a considerable body of knowledge and expertise in the area of butt litter and butt littering. With the announcement that Butt Free Australia will cease operation, the opportunity to transfer this body of knowledge and expertise, along with the assets that support it, to a likeminded organisation or organisations was identified.

As a result, Butt Free Australia conducted an Expression of Interest process for 'Continuing the Task - Reducing Butt Littering Nationally'. Expressions of Interest closed on Wednesday 19 October 2011 - 5.00pm (EDST).

On 8 November 2011 Butt Free Australia, as trustee for Butt Littering Trust, announced KESAB environmental solutions as the successful recipient. All enquries should be directed to John Phillips Executive Director KESAB on 08 8234 7255 (after 1 January 2012).