You could ban cellulose acetate filters, which do not readily degrade. One day we may figure out how to make cigarette filters that are more biodegradable. I also recall reading about a group training birds to collect cigarette butts.
It only takes a couple years for the deacetylzation process to occur from UV light and weathering. The cellulose backbone decays in a matter of days once the acetate is gone.
Carbon impregnated polyester works just fine as a smoke filter and is readily degradable.
