The study investigates the properties and waste management potential of cellulose acetate waste, commonly used in cigarette filter production. The goal of the research is to address gaps in the state of the art by assessing compostability and phytotoxicity of acetate waste from cigarettes production, which significantly complement the current research focused on cigarette filters in the form of post-consumer buts. Under investigation was acetate in the form of homogenic, dye-free and non-contaminated tow from the beginning phase of the cigarette’s filters production process. The experimental framework adheres to the PN-EN 14045:2005 standard for controlled composting environments. Acute phytotoxicity assessment follows the PHYTOTESTKIT method based on PN-EN 11269-1:2013-06. Results indicate that under controlled conditions, acetate waste achieves a decomposition rate of 75.3% after 84 days. Phytotoxicity testing reveals varying germination rates for different plant species. Across substrates, only 81 out of 210 seeds germinated (39%). Specifically, green cucumber seeds showed no germination, oat seeds had a 29% germination rate (20% for compost with acetate), and cress seeds had a high 90% germination rate for each substrate. Overall, understanding these properties informs sustainable waste management practices, including potential applications in industries like geotextiles, crop mulching mats etc. The results led to the conclusion that additional testing should be perform according to the requirements specific for each industrial usage and to increase the compostability level under laboratory and natural conditions.