Background

With the introduction of the smoking ban in 2007, people are required to leave a public enclosed space in order to smoke. This has had a significant impact on the behaviour of smokers and consequently a negative effect on surrounding public environments.

The debris created by smokers is often left in the entrances to buildings and companies spend a considerable amount of time and expense removing cigarette ends to clean their property.

The technology

In collaboration with Novax Limited, Sheffield Hallam University has developed a rechargeable battery powered portable vacuum cleaner, to collect cigarette ends left in building entrances and designated smoking areas. The system is designed to ensure that it only collects smoker's debris without clogging up with indigenous material, such as gravel. A UK patent application has been filed.

Benefits

This product will be attractive to companies and organisations where the cleanliness of the property entrance is importany for public reputation and image. Additionally, the product can be altered to meet the needs of the business with brush attachments or appliances where necessary.

Development stage

A pre-production prototype has been developed, and a patent application has been filed.

Lead researcher(s)

Professor Paul Chamberlain and Remi Bec