a process for recycling waste from the manufacture of filtered cigarettes is disclosed herein . the process comprises the following steps : a waste stream from the manufacture of filtered cigarettes is provided . the waste stream includes tobacco , filter tips comprising cellulose ester polymer , and paper . a substantial portion of the filter tips is separated from this waste stream . the filter tips are washed with a sufficient volume of water to liberate bound tipping paper and to remove contaminants from the cellulose ester polymer . oxidizers may be added to improve tip color and / or serve as a pretreatment . the cellulose ester polymer may then be dried , resolutioned , and processed into useful articles of commerce .