Clearing the Air on E-Cig Disposal

Many of us have heard about the health impacts of vaping and the soaring use of e-cigs, but there is less information about properly disposing of these devices. Both the battery and the liquid nicotine product—“vape juice”—are hazardous to human health and the environment if not properly disposed.

Let’s break this down.  There are countless brands and types of e-cigs and vapes.  However, most all of them contain rechargeable batteries and liquid nicotine. The batteries heat liquid nicotine and turn it into vapor that is inhaled. These batteries pose a significant fire hazard if thrown away in the garbage. Many vaporizers require the user to depress a button to activate the internal heating element, and devices can get as hot as 600°F. It does not take long to start a fire if pressure or other items in the trash accidentally depress the button. Vaporizer batteries are no different from other rechargeable batteries. They contain heavy metals that can leach into water sources if not properly recycled.

Nicotine “juice” that is improperly handled can pose a risk of accidental poisonings. “E-juice” or “vape juice” is the fluid used in vaporizers and electronic cigarettes that creates the actual vapor. Flavor is just one of the ingredients in e-liquid. Vape juices usually include nicotine and many other additives and chemicals. Even the heating coil, which allows the liquid to become an inhalable aerosol, releases new chemical substances and trace metals that go into the user’s lungs (John’s Hopkins Medicine, 2021). Nicotine is actually a PESTICIDE! It is especially hazardous when ingested.  Often, vape juice is concentrated and contains very high levels of nicotine—sometimes equivalent to several packs of cigarettes in a small container. It could be fatal if a small child swallowed flavored nicotine juice believing it was candy or food.

Vaping has become widespread and government agencies have responded quickly to keep up. As health and other agencies grapple with the issue, dispose of all vape-related products at a household hazardous waste facility to be sure the components are properly and safely handled. In our community, WLSSD’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility is easy to use.  Area residents can dispose of vape-related and other hazardous materials like paints, stains, and household chemicals FREE of charge in our drive-through HHW facility. We recycle or properly dispose of these materials to keep our community safe.