# The World Is Not Your Trash Can **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [September 6, 2008, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-world-is-not-your-trash-can/462401 "2008-09-06T22:30:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Yeticus\_Rex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/a698b9/32.png) [@Yeticus\_Rex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yeticus_Rex)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2008, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-world-is-not-your-trash-can/462401/101 "2008-09-09T22:44:01Z")
Like shooting bullets into the sky, eventually one them is bound to do damage to life or property…it’s just that some ( **5-HT & ISOT** and the rest of the thoughtless) just can’t/won’t comprehend the effects they wrought with the sheer number of their thoughtless ejaculations of burning embers and filters. The math involved probably makes the precious brain cells hurt which in turn begs for more nic. Can’t find an ashtray? What the hell, why don’t you clowns just eat your filters? You always tell us how harmless they are. Problem solved. ---
**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-world-is-not-your-trash-can/462401/102 "2008-09-10T01:12:00Z")
> [@CutterJohn](#): > > I don’t care because they are virtually invisible most places, excepting where smokers congregate en mass… Oh, not really. Any merchant who keeps the front of his store tidy knows that they are nuisance to sweep up. > [@Shayna](#): > > Yes, actually. You can even get them for free if you pay for the postage. Actually, I stumbled across a semi-viable pocket ashtray: [a couple of these might do the trick](http://www.quit-smoking.com/saveacig/index.htm). [Or these](http://www.smokersstopshop.co.uk/smartashtray.htm). They are single cigarette containers, which permit the smoker to enjoy part of a cigarette at a time. And at the end, they make a handy storage case until the hapless nicotine addict can find a convenient receptacle. Of course, most smoking dopers already do this, just as all SUV owners at this message board use them to cart horses to their off-road cabin. ---
**Author:** ![Mince](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@Mince](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mince)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-world-is-not-your-trash-can/462401/103 "2008-09-10T04:50:12Z")
> [@Interconnected\_Series\_of\_Tubes](#): > > More hyperbole, more bullshit. You **do** realize that it’s possible to enjoy tocabbo without instantaneously blackening your every internal organ into a carbonized, calciferous mass of antisocial, blackened ubercancer, right? So, ingesting smoke into your lungs benefits you how…again? The “Interconnected Series of Tubes” must connect you ass to your brain. ---
**Author:** ![BellRungBookShut-CandleSnuffed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bcef8e/32.png) [@BellRungBookShut-CandleSnuffed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BellRungBookShut-CandleSnuffed)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 8:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-world-is-not-your-trash-can/462401/104 "2008-09-10T08:50:30Z")
> [@Measure\_for\_Measure](#): > > Jeez gang. Is there any smoker who doesn’t throw his cigarette on the sidewalk? Put another way, are ashtrays that fold up and fit into a pocket even available? > > (A: Yes (somewhere) and perhaps they sell a couple of dozen per year.) > I don’t like it, but 5-HT’s behavior seems typical. Too bad for those who have to clean up after them. Once [again](http://www.gadgetmiss.com/2008/07/31/gloss-portable-ashtray-for-women/), [Japan](http://www.kilian-nakamura.com/catalog/bone-portable-ashtray-keychain-p-220.html) [to [/URL[URL=“http://starbulletin.com/2007/08/28/news/story03.html”]]the](http://tokyomango.blogspot.com/2006/11/portable-ashtray-museum.html) [rescue](http://www.fuzing.com/qrx/portable-ashtray)! I’ve littered here more than I ever did at home. They just don’t believe in trash cans here. I heard a rumor that it was related to someone doing some kind of attack (bombs, chemical weapons-- possibly related to the Aum attacks on the subway) through trash cans, but I don’t know how true that is. They only exist at convenience stores (at least around here) and drink machines (but only recycling). I usually don’t mind sticking a wrapper or whatever in my pocket or back, but if it’s food trash, something greasy or such, I’m not going to walk for a couple of kilometers with it. It’s just one of those public services that’s so necessary, and for some reason this country just doesn’t do it. ---
**Author:** ![Baldwin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baldwin/32/7264_2.png) [@Baldwin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baldwin)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-world-is-not-your-trash-can/462401/105 "2008-09-10T16:15:35Z")
> [@Interconnected\_Series\_of\_Tubes](#): > > So you decided that because somebody was slightly lazy and a bit inconsiderate (points which aren’t really in contention here,) you took it upon yourself to **throw burning material into somebody’s car**? What a fucking nutcase. Thanks. Since his convertible was stopped at the light, I probably should have taken a second to tap out the cigar butt before it went back into his car. That’s what I’ll do next time. ---
**Author:** ![Interconnected\_Series\_of\_Tubes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/13edae/32.png) [@Interconnected\_Series\_of\_Tubes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Interconnected_Series_of_Tubes)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-world-is-not-your-trash-can/462401/106 "2008-09-10T16:36:58Z")
And as usual, you hypocritical douchebags are more interested in letting everybody know how sick, sad, horrible and wrong cigarettes are. Anybody who even **thinks** about tobacco must instantaneously attach a nebulizer to 55-gallon drums full of smoldering leaves, tar, and small children, then kick the waste into a small, pristine spring. Don’t you guys ever get tired of being oversensitive pansies? “coff! coff! i got the black lung, pa!” ---
**Author:** ![spinky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@spinky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spinky)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-world-is-not-your-trash-can/462401/107 "2008-09-10T17:33:31Z")
Don’t let the anti-smoking hysterics get you down. For the record, I don’t care if you smoke. I understand that it’s not good for you, but you like it anyway, and that’s your prerogative (hey, I drink alcohol; wtf). But habitually throwing small pieces of trash on the ground makes you a dickhead. ---
**Author:** ![spinky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@spinky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spinky)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-world-is-not-your-trash-can/462401/108 "2008-09-10T17:43:39Z")
[missed edit window because it takes \> 5 minutes to load the “edit” box these days] I should have made it clear that I’m not talking about **you** specifically… habitually throwing small bits of trash on the ground makes **one** a dickhead. ---
**Author:** ![Mince](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@Mince](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mince)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-world-is-not-your-trash-can/462401/109 "2008-09-10T18:11:55Z")
> [@Interconnected\_Series\_of\_Tubes](#): > > And as usual, you hypocritical douchebags are more interested in letting everybody know how sick, sad, horrible and wrong cigarettes are. Anybody who even **thinks** about tobacco must instantaneously attach a nebulizer to 55-gallon drums full of smoldering leaves, tar, and small children, then kick the waste into a small, pristine spring. > > Don’t you guys ever get tired of being oversensitive pansies? > > “coff! coff! i got the black lung, pa!” Dude, why are you so desperately seeking my approval of your smoking? Jesus Christ, smoke if you desire. But if you think…and expect others to think…that smoking **isn’t** a dangerous and disgusting habit, well, you’re an idiot. Anyway, the issue is about tossing butts into the environment, not winning acceptance for your habit. ---
**Author:** ![Interconnected\_Series\_of\_Tubes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/13edae/32.png) [@Interconnected\_Series\_of\_Tubes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Interconnected_Series_of_Tubes)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-world-is-not-your-trash-can/462401/110 "2008-09-10T18:30:11Z")
> [@Mince](#): > > Dude, why are you so desperately seeking my approval of your smoking? Jesus Christ, smoke if you desire. But if you think…and expect others to think…that smoking **isn’t** a dangerous and disgusting habit, well, you’re an idiot. > > Anyway, the issue is about tossing butts into the environment, not winning acceptance for your habit. I couldn’t give a shit what you think about cigarettes. My problem is the rabid, mouth-frothing indignation people get when they see somebody lightning up - as though touching tobacco to lips instantaneously renders one some kind of nicotine- and cancer-ridden monstrosity. It’s a bullshit characterization, but I’m sick of debating some useless ideological point about the habit. If it makes you feel better to whip yourself into a frenzy over a few butts, that’s fine. The mountain pile of garbage you create every day isn’t any smaller than mine - you’re just sitting on top of it like its a high horse. ---
**Author:** ![Baldwin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baldwin/32/7264_2.png) [@Baldwin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baldwin)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-world-is-not-your-trash-can/462401/111 "2008-09-10T22:46:57Z")
> [@Interconnected\_Series\_of\_Tubes](#): > > I couldn’t give a shit what you think about cigarettes. My problem is the rabid, mouth-frothing indignation people get when they see somebody lightning up - as though touching tobacco to lips instantaneously renders one some kind of nicotine- and cancer-ridden monstrosity. It’s a bullshit characterization, but I’m sick of debating some useless ideological point about the habit. > > If it makes you feel better to whip yourself into a frenzy over a few butts, that’s fine. The mountain pile of garbage you create every day isn’t any smaller than mine - you’re just sitting on top of it like its a high horse. I don’t give a shit about your drug problem. Just **stop littering**. ---
**Author:** ![5-HT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/5/f19dbf/32.png) [@5-HT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/5-HT)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2008, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-world-is-not-your-trash-can/462401/112 "2008-09-11T05:42:57Z")
> [@Yeticus\_Rex](#): > > Like shooting bullets into the sky, eventually one them is bound to do damage to life or property… As luck would have it, this is also a popular activity in detroit at certain times of the year. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2008, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-world-is-not-your-trash-can/462401/113 "2008-09-11T18:22:12Z")
The only problem I have with other people smoking is when I get it in MY lungs. You can blackrot yours all you want; I truly don’t give the tiniest little rat’s hiney. Oh, and look after your butt, too. It doesn’t belong anywhere except the garbage. ---
**Author:** ![Yeticus\_Rex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/a698b9/32.png) [@Yeticus\_Rex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yeticus_Rex)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2008, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-world-is-not-your-trash-can/462401/114 "2008-09-11T18:29:39Z")
> [@Interconnected\_Series\_of\_Tubes](#): > > I couldn’t give a shit what you think about cigarettes. My problem is the rabid, mouth-frothing indignation people get when they see somebody lightning up - as though touching tobacco to lips instantaneously renders one some kind of nicotine- and cancer-ridden monstrosity. It’s a bullshit characterization, but I’m sick of debating some useless ideological point about the habit. > > If it makes you feel better to whip yourself into a frenzy over a few butts, that’s fine. The mountain pile of garbage you create every day isn’t any smaller than mine - you’re just sitting on top of it like its a high horse. I would have the same problem with a kid eating individually wrapped Starburst candy and thowing those wrappers on the ground as well. But check this…at least the wrappers won’t be smoldering…but the kid is still an idiot for littering. So…what does that make you? A careless idiot. Trying to defuse your idiotness with your rights as a smoker are disingenuous at best. Like I said before…eat your butts…they won’t kill you. 😉 As for the mountains of garbage…we both make it, but I make every attempt to make sure my garbage ends up in a landfill rather than the idiot that makes a landfill wherever he decides to litter. You need some serious enlightenment. ---
**Author:** ![Mince](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@Mince](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mince)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2008, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-world-is-not-your-trash-can/462401/115 "2008-09-11T20:09:20Z")
> [@Interconnected\_Series\_of\_Tubes](#): > > I couldn’t give a shit what you think about cigarettes. My problem is the rabid, mouth-frothing indignation people get when they see somebody lightning up - as though touching tobacco to lips instantaneously renders one some kind of nicotine- and cancer-ridden monstrosity. Sure, ok, but the discussion is about what you do with the cigarette **after** it’s been smoked. > [@](#): > > If it makes you feel better to whip yourself into a frenzy over a few butts, that’s fine. Few butts? Frenzy? Such hyperbole. And thanks for giving me permission to care about others’ littering. I appreciate that. > [@](#): > > The mountain pile of garbage you create every day isn’t any smaller than mine - you’re just sitting on top of it like its a high horse. You mean the mountain pile that I dispose of appropriately? The argument is against the generation of garbage, the argument is against the disposal of that garbage. ---
**Author:** ![Mince](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@Mince](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mince)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2008, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-world-is-not-your-trash-can/462401/116 "2008-09-11T20:22:42Z")
Of course, in the above post I meant "The argument is **n’t** against the generation of garbage… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-world-is-not-your-trash-can/462401.md?page=5)