Since their introduction in 2007, e-cigarettes, or vapes, were initially perceived as a healthier alternative to smoking tobacco and a potential aid for quitting. However, the rise in vape usage has brought to light numerous health risks associated with their use.
The popularity of vapes has surged over the past decade. In 2019, over 25% of high school students used e-cigarettes, and over 17 million units were sold in retail stores in 2020 — including marijuana vapes, contributing to a considerable amount of waste.
While vapes might have seemed like a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional cigarettes, they bring their own set of environmental challenges such as toxic chemicals, increased plastic and electronic waste.
Components of a Vape
Vape products typically include a cartridge, e-liquid, an atomizer, microprocessor, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, sensor, LED light, and a mouthpiece. Proper disposal of these components presents numerous challenges.
Mixed Materials Mean a Recycling Headache
Vapes are made of a complex mix of glass, metal, and plastic, making it difficult to recycle them through curbside recycling programs.
What’s in That E-Liquid?
Vape liquids contain nicotine, THC, flavorings, and a variety of other chemicals, posing significant challenges for recycling due to the presence of non-recyclable materials.
Vaping and Electronic Waste
The electronic components in vapes pose further recycling challenges, especially with the presence of lithium-ion batteries that are hazardous waste.
Confusion Around Vape Disposal
There is a lack of clear guidance for proper disposal of vaping products, leading to confusion among users about the correct disposal methods.
Recycling Options
While options for recycling vapes are limited, some companies offer take-back programs for recycling their products. Additionally, programs like the Drug Enforcement Agency’s take-back events now accept vapes and cartridges for disposal.
FDA Advice on Vape Disposal
The FDA advises handling e-cigarette waste as household hazardous waste and provides guidelines for responsible disposal of vaping products.
Use Your Voice To Request a Solution
Consumers are encouraged to advocate for take-back programs for vaping products offered by manufacturers and support extended producer responsibility laws that mandate recycling products at their end of life.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on July 15, 2021, and was updated in January 2024.
