Awareness about e-cigarettes and their impact on physical and mental health is increasing. However, many people are unaware of the environmental harm e-cigarettes cause and how to manage e-cigarette waste properly. According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Foundation estimate, the number of disposable vapes sold in the U.S. each year would stretch for 7,000 miles—that’s equivalent to traveling the distance between Lincoln Airport and Eppley Airfield in Omaha more than 110 times.
Here are seven things you should know about e-cigarette waste:
1. E-cigarette waste is dangerous due to two main components: the lithium battery and nicotine juice.
– Nicotine juice can be very toxic even in small quantities. It can be absorbed through the skin, and just one teaspoon can be deadly to a 26-pound child.
– Lithium batteries can catch fire if they become hot, damaged, or defective. Disposable e-cigarettes, which are becoming more popular, contain these rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
2. The American Association of Poison Control Centers and other health experts recommend wearing gloves or using other protective materials when handling e-cigarettes.
3. Vape waste should be managed as household hazardous waste. Lincoln and Lancaster County residents can take consumer vape waste to HazToGo—Lincoln’s Hazardous Waste Center, located at 5101 N 48th St., Lincoln. For center hours, visit HazToGo.com or call 402-441-8021.
4. E-cigarette waste does not belong in regular trash or recycling bins. It can cause fires and contaminate other recycling materials. Always dispose of e-cigarette waste properly.
5. Do not attempt to disassemble the battery. Attempting to take apart an e-cigarette can expose you to toxic nicotine juice and the lithium battery, which can discharge and cause a fire.
6. In case of nicotine exposure: Look out for signs of nicotine poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, increased salivation, abdominal pain, and sweating. If you suspect nicotine poisoning, call the Nebraska Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or 911.
7. E-cigarette battery fires can occur. Use a foam extinguisher with CO2, powder graphite, ABC dry chemical, or sodium carbonate. If it’s safe, move the burning device outside and away from anything flammable. If the fire is too large, call 911 immediately.
If you are looking for support and resources to quit vaping or using other tobacco products, call the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). You can also visit tobaccofreelancastercounty.org/resources for more information.
As we learn more about how e-cigarettes affect our health, it is also important to consider their impact on the environment. By following these tips on proper vape waste disposal, we can keep ourselves and our surroundings clean, safe, and healthy.
