Concern about the vaping epidemic among teens and young adults has typically focused on the harm to young people’s health, finances, and relationships. The East Central Alliance for Nicotine Prevention is drawing attention to yet another threat—the hazardous materials inside “disposable” vapes that harm the environment and pose fire risks. East Central Alliance for Nicotine Prevention collaborated with partners to properly dispose of vapes with the extra funds received from the JUUL settlement earlier this year.
Disposable e-cigarettes, or vapes, include non-rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and sealed nicotine fluid tanks. When a person runs out of battery or e-liquid, they throw the vape away. Both the batteries and any remaining e-liquid inside the vapes are hazardous to the environment. The batteries also are a significant fire risk if they are damaged, stored
with other batteries, or exposed to heat. School administrators continue to face the problem of safely handling confiscated vapes. “In schools, we find administrators often collect confiscated vapes in desk drawers or filing cabinets without a clear plan for what to do with them,” said Laura Nakielski, Tobacco Prevention and Control Program Assistant. East Central Alliance for Nicotine Prevention is working with area schools and law enforcement agencies to safely collect, transport, and dispose of these vapes. “We are grateful for the City of Fond du Lac Police Department, Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office, Wautoma Police Department, Wild Rose Police Department and Plainefield schools who collaborated with us to safely dispose of their vapes,” said Nakielski. A total of 92 vapes were disposed of at this time. Wisconsin does not have clear guidelines for how to safely dispose of vapes, so many end up in household garbage. “Big commercial tobacco companies are not held responsible for the safe disposal of these products, so most people do not have any other option than to throw them away,” said Nakielski. “If we play the long game, this problem needs to be put back on commercial tobacco companies. They created this epidemic and this environmental problem, and they need to be held accountable.” Community members with an interest in helping address the burden of commercial tobacco and nicotine on people and the environment can contact East Central Alliance for Nicotine Prevention to learn how to get involved. Concerned parents and adults can visit the Tobacco is Changing website to learn about the latest vape products being marketed to young people. Visit the Help to Quit webpage to learn about Live Vape Free, a free vaping quit program for young people, including tips for parents.
