The Issue of Vape Waste Discussed at GFN23

The vaping industry is becoming increasingly aware of the waste issue that vapes are creating. Experts discussed the matter at the ongoing GFN23.

Diane Caruana

June 23, 2023

Unfortunately some are using this waste issue to oppose tobacco harm reduction via vapes.

Countries across the world are growing concerned about the popularity of disposable vapes amongst teens. A recent survey found that while vaping among U.K. children aged 11-17 was up from 4% in 2020 to 7% in 2022, disposable vapes are currently the most commonly used types of devices, with a concerning increase from 7% in 2020 and 8% n 2021, to 52% in 2022.

Besides their accessibility to teens, another main issue with the products is the fact that they are contributing to a massive waste problem. The hazardous waste from their lithium batteries and heavy metals from their circuitry systems, and the fact that they are disposable, makes them a leading source of environmental pollution.

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

American vape manufacturer Pure Labs, has recently urged authorities to take note of the unsustainability of disposable vapes and take action accordingly. “Not only are disposable vaping devices fueling the world’s ongoing youth vaping epidemic, these single-use plastic e-cigarettes are responsible for the growing, exorbitant amount of toxic waste plaguing our earth,” said the manufacturer.

Discarded vapes are starting fires in landfills and waste plants

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

Infact, recycling firms are reportedly dealing with so many disposables that they are struggling to get insured due to the fire risk. To this effect reported The Guardian last month, some waste facilities have now installed AI systems in order to detect vapes and their lithium-ion batteries, as well as to extinguish any fires they may start.

The right time to start manufacturing sustainable vapes

Discussing this issue and more during GFN2023, the workshop: “Reducing the environmental impacts in tobacco harm reduction,” validated the above concerns and need for action.

Director of Bay Pharma, David Burns confirmed that landfill fires have also occurred in Australia when compactors have crushed unstable lithium ion batteries which it turn caught fire.

Pieter Vorster, Managing Director of Idwala Research, agreed that he situation needs to be tackled. He said that so far, the relatively new vape industry has focused on making the best possible product. The next step, he explained, is tackling these sustainability issues.

Meanwhile Australian tobacco treatment 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 in comparison to the far greater impact of smoking, from land use to cigarette waste.