City of Malmö Revives the Smoke Signal to Combat Cigarette Litter

Sweden’s City of Malmö and BBDO Nordics have reintroduced one of humanity’s oldest communication methods – the smoke signal – as a tool for behavioural change.

Standing three meters tall, the Smoke Signal Monument emits smoke rings each time a smoker disposes of their cigarette correctly. The installation transforms an ancient symbol of communication into a modern act of civic engagement – blending creativity, design, and behavioural science to fight one of the world’s most persistent litter problems: cigarette butts.

“We know that people make the right choice when it feels easy, visible, and natural. By applying research-based behavioural methods to something as everyday as cigarette littering, we want to show that behavioural design can truly make a difference – even turning doing the right thing into something people actually talk about,” said Elina Carlstein, communications and behavioural strategist at the City of Malmö.

Although Sweden has Europe’s lowest rate of daily smokers, its nightlife districts still struggle with cigarette litter – a by-product of social smoking and smoking bans on outdoor patios. Malmö’s new approach turns design itself into a medium for behavioural change.

“We saw an opportunity to bring back an ancient form of messaging – simple, analogue, universal – and give it a new purpose. The smoke signal now serves as a bridge between culture, design and behavioural change,” said Simon Söder, art director at BBDO Nordics.

The monument is part of Malmö’s ongoing work to reduce littering through innovation and research-based design. Previous initiatives created by the city also include 'Dirty Talking Trash Cans' and 'Cigarette Buttcoin.'