Vapeboss – Countries worldwide are increasingly concerned about the popularity of disposable vapes among teenagers. A recent survey found that while vaping among British children aged 11-17 rose from 4% in 2020 to 7% in 2022, disposable vapes are now the most commonly used type of device, with an alarming increase from 7% in 2020 and 8% in 2021, to 52% in 2022.

Beyond their accessibility to teenagers, another major issue with these products is the fact that they contribute to a massive waste problem. The hazardous waste from lithium batteries and heavy metals from their circuit systems, and the fact that they are disposable, makes them a major source of environmental pollution.

These devices often contain rare and expensive resources, such as precious metals, which could be recovered if properly managed. On the other hand, mismanagement of materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium can have a detrimental impact on the environment. Unfortunately, most of these devices have batteries sealed inside the unit, making them difficult to separate.

American vape manufacturer Pure Labs recently urged authorities to address the unsustainability of disposable vapes and take appropriate action. "Not only are disposable vaping devices fueling the world's ongoing youth vaping epidemic, these disposable plastic e-cigarettes are responsible for an increasing amount of toxic waste that is plaguing our earth," the manufacturer said.

Discarded vapes cause fires in landfills and waste facilities

Earlier this month, the UK's Local Government Association, which represents councils in England and Wales, said that disposable vapes are almost impossible to recycle. Additionally, the group added, there have been increasing reports of disposable vapes causing fires in bin lorries and waste facilities.

In fact, recycling companies are reportedly dealing with so many disposables that they are struggling to get insurance due to the risk of fires. To this effect, The Guardian reported last month that some waste facilities have now installed AI systems to detect vapes and their lithium-ion batteries, as well as to extinguish any fires they might start.

The right time to start producing sustainable vapes

Addressing these and more issues during GFN2023, the workshop: "Reducing the environmental impact in tobacco harm reduction," validated the above concerns and the need for action.

Bay Pharma Director, David Burns confirmed that landfill fires also occur in Australia when compactors crush unstable lithium-ion batteries which then ignite.

Pieter Vorster, Managing Director of Idwala Research, agreed that the situation needs to be addressed. He said that until now, the relatively new vape industry has focused on making the best possible products. The next step, he explained, is to address these sustainability issues.

Meanwhile, Australian tobacco processing specialist Dr. Colin Mendelsohn said that unfortunately, this waste issue is being used to oppose tobacco harm reduction. In fact, the panel highlighted the importance of considering the environmental impact of vaping and safer nicotine compared to the much greater impact of smoking, from land use to cigarette waste.

Source: Vapingpost

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