How to Properly Throw Away Your Disposable Vape?
Table of Contents:
- Why Vapes Can Be Dangerous to the Environment
- How to Dispose Of Your Disposable Vape?
- How to Recycle Your Disposable Vape?
- Best Practices on Properly Disposing of Your Disposable Vape
With the increasing popularity of vaping, there has been a rise in the number of improperly disposed of disposable vapes. Since these are not refillable, they're usually ready to be thrown away when the battery is done or the vape juice has finished.
This article is not about vaping but more so about the impacts to the environment if it's not handled properly.
Why Vapes Can Be Dangerous to the Environment
Many vapes contain lithium-ion batteries which can be hazardous or harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. The eLiquid in these batteries can leak into the soil and water, causing pollution. They can also cause harm to plants and animals.
Additionally, the plastic components of vapes can take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to the growing problem of plastic pollution.
How to Dispose Of Your Disposable Vape?
It's IMPORTANT to properly dispose of your disposable vape to prevent harm to the environment. The first step in disposing of your vape is to remove the battery, as it is the most hazardous component.
You can do this by twisting off the bottom (or top mouthpiece) of the vape to access the battery and removing it. Once the battery is removed, you can dispose of it at a designated electronic recycling center.
The next step is to dispose of the plastic components of the vape. While plastic can take hundreds of years to decompose, it's important to properly dispose of it to prevent harm to the environment.
You can do this by disposing of the plastic components in the trash. However, it's important to make sure that the plastic components are not recyclable before throwing them away.
How to Recycle Your Disposable Vape?
If you want to recycle your disposable vape, there are a few options available. The first option is to recycle it through electronic recycling. The second option is to take it to a local recycling center and see if they can handle it themselves.
The biggest thing you need to worry about is the battery. Make sure you properly handling removing the different pieces because a punctured battery can easy start a chemical fire.
Hazardous Ware Facilities
According to the FDA, e-cigarettes should be taken to hazardous waste facilities (not including the battery).
Electronic Recycling
Electronic recycling is the process of recycling electronic devices, such as computers and batteries, to recover valuable materials, such as copper and gold. This process reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and helps to conserve natural resources.
To recycle your disposable vape through electronic recycling, you can take it to a designated electronic recycling center. These centers will often accept a variety of electronic devices, including vapes.
Local Recycling Center
If there is no electronic recycling center near you, you can also take your disposable vape to a local recycling center. However, it's important to check with your local recycling center to see if they accept vapes. If they do not accept vapes, you can dispose of the battery at an electronic recycling center and the plastic components in the trash.
Best Practices on Properly Disposing of Your Disposable Vape
When disposing of your disposable vape, there are a few best practices to follow to ensure that you are properly disposing of it.
1. Always remove the battery before disposing of the vape. The battery is the most wasteful component. It needs to be properly thrown away at an electronic recycling center.
2. Dispose of the plastic components of the vape in the trash. However, make sure that the plastic components are not recyclable before throwing them away.
3. Consider recycling your disposable vape through electronic recycling or taking it to a local recycling center. This will help to reduce waste sent to landfills and conserve natural resources.
In New York City, Nora has set up vape recycling boxes in various locations to combat the growing issue of vape pollution. Concerned by the discarded vapes littering the streets, she collects and recycles them at designated electronic centers. Disposable vapes contain hazardous materials like lithium batteries and nicotine, which can contaminate the environment if not properly disposed of. With the U.S. lagging in regulation, grassroots efforts like Nora's are essential in raising awareness and pushing for better recycling practices.
Conclusion
It's important to properly dispose of your disposable vapes to prevent harm to the environment. Vapes contain hazardous materials, such as lithium-ion batteries, that can be possibly harmful if not disposed of properly. By removing the battery, disposing of the plastic components in the trash, and recycling through electronic recycling or a local recycling center, you can help to reduce waste sent to landfills and conserve natural resources.
Follow these best practices to ensure that you are properly disposing of your disposable vape and doing your part to protect the environment.
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