It's interesting that you should mention dropping cigarette butts. Imo people who do this don't consider it to be littering.
I asked an elderly chap to put his butt in the bin just yesterday, to which he replied 'it's non of your business'. He then put his foot on top of it, pummeling into the ground, this act seemed to use up more energy than if he'd popped it in the nearby bin.
It is my business, I live in Marple, I happen to be a proud resident of Marple and would like it to be rat free (which will never happen) and tidy.
Things have got worse since Costa Coffee opened a few years ago. I cycle a lot and have seen their used cups in hedgerows as far away as Rowarth.
If everyone just asked the person they see dropping /throwing their litter, to put in the bin, it would be help surely.