The City of Greater Geelong has joined a national campaign to change littering behaviour in Butt Free City Week.

Running from 17 to 21 March, Butt Free City Week aims to encourage smokers to reduce the estimated 7.2 million butts littered every year.

Four teams of two educators will hit the streets of Central Geelong handing out personal ashtrays to smokers, encouraging them to dispose of their butts responsibly.

"There are no excuses for throwing cigarette  butts on the ground," Cr O'Connor said, "Butts that are thrown on the ground eventually end up in the bay, polluting our fragile marine environment."

"Disposing of butts responsibly is a small action that can make a big difference."

Cr O'Connor said the City of Greater Geelong was proud to be part of the Butt Free City Week initiative.

"Cigarette butts remain Australia's number one litter issue.  With the introduction of smoking bans in bars more people are smoking outside - so this is a very timely reminder to smokers to bin their butts."

The educators will be targeting areas including Lt Malop Central, the Geelong Hospital precinct, Geelong Railway Station, bus stops and entrances to hotels/bars.

Butt Free City Week is organised by the Butt Littering Trust in partnership with local councils and other stakeholders.