Despite being the perfect alternative to smokers, vaping isn’t anything less than an epidemic among school students.
Why?
Almost one in five youngsters used e-cigarettes back in 2020, and that’s not all!
Vaping generates a significant amount of toxic waste, most of which is non-biodegradable plastic.
Most brands, unlike us, fabricate pod-based, single-use plastic cartridges filled with nicotine. Disposable products generate a lot more waste. After all, these products are designed for a single use. Today, disposable vape devices are extremely popular, particularly among school students.
Excluding online sales and tobacco-specialty stores, there was an increase in retail e-cigarette sales of almost 400% between 2015 and 2020. These numbers are alarming, and the environmental damage of e-cigarette waste is enormous.
The danger to waterways
Our water sources are threatened constantly by e-cigarette waste. Consider this: the lithium content of the batteries tends to leak out. Some of the spent devices thrown away for disposal often have battery life. Also, the nicotine in it and other chemicals aren’t fully used up.
Using rechargeable batteries is a safer alternative because they can be charged and used multiple times. Rechargeable power sources never affect device performance, either. Why don’t most brands use them?
The plastic material of vape pods will float in rivers and other sources of freshwater for years before breaking down into microplastics. These elements pollute and pose a threat to water quality. Aquatic creatures ingest these microplastics, and before we realize it, they enter the food chain. Sooner rather than later, we start consuming them (by eating fish that eat plastic, we eat plastic: simple!).
Proper disposal
It seems young adults are more conscious than older adults. Many young users report throwing away e-cigarette waste, inappropriate recycling, or littering spent devices. Only 15% of the users shed light on disposing of empty pods or disposable vapes by taking them for electronic recycling or dropping them at recycling plants.
Based on a survey conducted between February and June 2020, vape device users reported how they got rid of empty pods, batteries, disposable e-cigarettes, and other components.
- Over half of the respondents claimed they threw spent pods in regular trash bags or bins.
- About 17% of young vape enthusiasts disposed of their devices by putting them in regular recycling bins, which aren’t suitable for e-cigarette waste.
- 10% of people got rid of spent pods by littering them on the ground.
The remaining respondents reported keeping or selling their devices. A few even returned them to the vape shop they bought from.
It’s up to the younger generations
It seems the safety of our waterways and the environment as a whole rests on the shoulders of the younger generation. In another study conducted in October 2019, researchers uncovered that young people understand the hazards of improperly disposing of e-cigarette waste.
Around 87% of the respondents between 15 and 34 years old acknowledged that empty e-cigarettes and spent pods or cartridges lay around on the ground, while almost 66% of respondents knew vape devices weren’t biodegradable. 76% even recognized the dangers of throwing e-cigarette waste in trash cans. Most respondents claimed to know that a vape pod contains materials toxic to humans and animals alike.
Users aren’t aware
Here’s the saddest part: vaping enthusiasts, particularly older adults, are less aware of the environmental impact of littering. These people don’t realize their habit pollutes all water sources, eventually depriving the entire world of this life-giving natural substance.
Most of the participants of the aforementioned survey were familiar with the dangers posed by spent e-cigarettes, but those who had vaped at least once in their lives were significantly uninformed about the environmental impact of littering e-cigarette waste.
Users don’t know the methods
Folks who vape reported issues that prevented them from disposing of spent vape devices safely. Among e-cigarette users, 74% believed it was difficult to locate a drop-off site, and around 47% claimed the product they used didn’t provide them with any disposal-related information.
Safe disposal methods
Yes, there are a few specific ways of disposing of e-cigarettes. If you don’t know what they are, here’s your redemption!
- Firstly, you must understand this: the disposal process involves handling the pod, plastic accessories, and batteries appropriately.
- Contact local waste departments about any programs they have in place regarding household hazardous waste (HHW) disposal. Check if they accept e-cigarettes.
- If the previous idea fails, remove the battery or take the device directly to the recycling plant. The experts working there should be able to extract the power source. Once it’s taken care of, take the rest of the e-cigarette to DEA.
Addressing e-cigarette pollution
Standardized processes for e-cigarette disposal are the need of the hour. We can’t let vape devices, refills, and e-liquids pollute the environment and poison our waterways anymore.
Since most hazardous waste disposal plants and waste management centers still aren’t adequately equipped to deal with e-cigarette waste, we’ve brought you recycled vape devices.
We’re Smoke Vape Revolution, and we’re here to revolutionize the way people enjoy vaping. Our primary objective is to deliver a guilt-free vaping experience and reduce the negative environmental impact of using vape devices without compromising style or quality.
What sets us apart is our dedication to creating devices that are 99.26% recyclable and recoverable. Our choice of raw materials includes high-grade cardboard, silicone, metal, and plastic. Our products boast 70% less waste production, have 36% fewer components, and contribute 38% less to landfill waste.
However, we can’t do this alone. We need you. We need your support. Together, we can save the waterways, save the planet, and ensure this world can sustain our future generations.
FAQs
Q1. What specific actions or initiatives are being taken by governments or environmental organizations to address the issue of e-cigarette waste pollution, especially in terms of regulation, education, or waste management programs?
A1. Governments and environmental organizations are already implementing different actions and methods to address the problems of e-cigarette waste pollution. These include efforts to regulate the production and disposal of vape merchandise, such as imposing restrictions on single-use plastics and promoting the use of recyclable materials. Furthermore, educational campaigns are being launched to increase awareness about the ecological impact of e-cigarette waste and to instill proper disposal practices.
Q2. How do the environmental impacts of e-cigarette waste compare to other types of plastic pollution, such as single-use plastic bags or bottles, in terms of magnitude and potential harm to aquatic ecosystems?
A2. The environmental impacts of e-cigarette waste, primarily in terms of plastic pollution, are significant. They’re comparable to other types of plastic waste, such as single-use plastic bags or bottles. Vape pods and cartridges, which are mostly made of non-biodegradable plastic, can stick to the environment like leeches and pose a threat to aquatic ecosystems. The toxins and chemicals enter the waterways, affecting marine life and entering the food chain.
Q3. Are there any ongoing research efforts or technological innovations aimed at developing more sustainable materials or disposable methods for e-cigarette products beyond what is currently available or implemented by Smoke Vape Revolution?
A3. Ongoing research and technological innovations are exploring various ways to develop more sustainable materials and disposal methods for e-cigarette products. This includes research into biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics used in e-cigarettes and pods. Also, advancements in battery technology aim to enhance the sustainability and recyclability of the batteries. Scientists, product manufacturers, and environmental protection organizations are collaborating to drive progress in this area with the ultimate objective of reducing the environmental impact of e-cigarette waste.
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