France, July 1 -- A sweeping ban on smoking in outdoor public spaces is expected to help stub out the scourge of cigarette butts- France's most common form of litter- from beaches, parks and bus stops.

The new rules, which came into effect at the weekend, prohibit smoking on beaches during bathing season, in public parks, and at bus stops during operating hours.

Smokers are also barred from lighting up near schools, libraries, swimming pools and sports grounds. Anyone caught breaking the ban faces a fine of €135, which can rise to €750 for serious cases. Tonnes of waste

Each year French smokers toss away up to 25,000 tonnes of cigarette butts - more than twice the weight of the Eiffel Tower.

The filters are made of plastic...