Imagine indulging in a strawberry cheesecake, savouring a handful of grapes, or relishing the refreshing burst of mint. These are just a few of the enticing flavours that e-cigarette users can enjoy. The expansive flavour menu, with sleek designs, affordable pricing, and easy accessibility, has captivated a broad audience[1].
Initially marketed in 2003 as an effective method to quit smoking, e-cigarettes have seen a steady rise in popularity, especially among the youth in Malaysia. From a modest 0.8% in 2011, usage has surged to 8.6% in 2023, marking a staggering 600% increase[2].
However, much debate surrounds the claim that e-cigarettes help with smoking cessation. Recent years have highlighted the public health consequences of vaping, as each puff releases aerosols containing harmful chemicals like nicotine, propylene glycol, and various flavourings, all of which can negatively impact health[1]. Moreover, e-cigarettes are as detrimental to the environment as they are to one’s lungs.
Traditional e-cigarettes allow users to recharge devices via USB and refill the liquids. Today, the convenience of closed-system e-cigarettes or disposable vapes means these devices are often discarded after a certain number of uses. This practice raises significant environmental concerns, as there is a lack of guidance and regulation from manufacturers and local authorities regarding proper disposal[3].
Mohamed Tarek El-Fatatry, founder of Electronic and E-Waste Recycling (ERTH), noted that his centre receives minimal requests for vape disposal, with many users still discarding vapes in general waste[4]. Unlike traditional cigarettes, which degrade within a decade, e-cigarettes, especially newer versions, are non-biodegradable.
Improper disposal of e-cigarettes or vapes primarily contributes to three main types of waste:
Electronic Waste (E-Waste)
Like other electronic devices, e-cigarettes contribute to electronic waste (e-waste) when disposed of in landfills. The electronic components can cause fires, and the batteries are pollutants that leach into soil, groundwater, rivers and lakes.
Additionally, the environmental harm associated with obtaining lithium for battery production includes water, air, and soil contamination.
The lithium used in the batteries of disposable vapes sold annually weighs 23.6 tonnes, equivalent to the amount needed for 2,600 electric vehicle batteries[4]. Vapes also require metals such as cobalt, platinum, gold, and rare earth elements, which are obtained through destructive mining processes.
Plastic Waste
Plastics take centuries to decompose, fragmenting into microplastics that infiltrate our food supply and endanger wildlife.
Much like the environmental menace posed by coffee capsules, many popular e-cigarettes are pod-based devices with single-use plastic cartridges. These cartridges, designed for one-time use, are largely non-biodegradable and challenging to recycle.
With an ever-expanding array of flavours enticing consumers, the vape industry is poised to become a significant contributor to plastic waste.
Chemical Waste
This might be the most hazardous waste generated by e-cigarettes. E-liquid, typically found in vape pods, often contains nicotine, though not all manufacturers provide accurate labelling.
Here’s a crucial warning: never pour e-liquid down sinks or throw vape pods in regular waste bins. Nicotine and nicotine salts can leak from discarded pods, seeping into the environment and threatening drinking water sources.
These substances are toxic to aquatic life and can severely disrupt ecosystems if not disposed of properly. Proper disposal is essential to prevent these harmful chemicals from contaminating our water and endangering wildlife.
Explore our sources:
- Hassandarvish, M. (2024). Experts: Marketing gimmicks, weak regulations main reasons for vape popularity among teens in Malaysia. Malay Mail. Link
- Carvalho, M & Rahim, R. (2024). 600% increase in e-cigarette users in Malaysia over 12 years, survey finds. The Star. Link
- Ibrahim, J. (2022). ‘Discard old vapes properly’. The Star. Link
- New Economy.(2023). Vape Waste: The environmental harms of disposable vapes. US PIRG Education Fund. Link
