Environmental impact of electronic cigarettes

Disposable electronic cigarettes, also known as disposable vapes, combine various materials like plastics, metals, and electronic components, which present numerous environmental concerns. These single-use devices, while convenient, add to the growing problem of electronic waste due to their complex composition and the difficulties inherent in recycling mixed materials, especially those with lithium batteries. Beyond the waste management issues, disposable vapes contribute to resource depletion, environmental pollution through the potential release of toxic substances, and a not insignificant carbon footprint.

Use of disposable vapes

The use of disposable vapes has become increasingly popular worldwide, particularly among users seeking convenience and variety. These devices, designed for single use, offer a wide range of flavors and strengths, catering to both novice and experienced users. Unlike their rechargeable counterparts, disposable vapes require no maintenance or knowledge of vaping equipment, making them accessible to a broader audience. However, this convenience also leads to concerns regarding environmental sustainability. Each disposed unit adds to the growing issue of electronic waste, as these devices contain plastics, metals, and electronic components that are challenging to recycle. Despite these environmental concerns, the demand for disposable vapes continues, driven by their ease of use, portability, and the immediate satisfaction they provide. This trend reflects a broader consumer preference for convenience, even as it poses challenges for waste management and sustainability efforts.

Components and materials of disposable vapes

Disposable electronic cigarettes are made from a variety of materials, including plastics, metals such as aluminum, lithium, stainless steel, and electronic components. Each device contains approximately 0.15g of lithium in its battery, a metal considered critical by the US and EU. The global sales of these devices resulted in the consumption of 90 tonnes of lithium last year alone.

Environmental risks

Electronic waste and recycling challenges

More than 1.3 million single-use vapes are discarded every week in Britain, contributing to the increasing problem of electronic waste (e-waste). These devices are difficult to recycle due to their mixed material composition and the presence of lithium batteries, which pose additional challenges when damaged. Despite regulations requiring retailers to offer recycling take-back services, the effectiveness of these programs is limited, as indicated by a lack of awareness among supermarket staff. Disposable vapes also comprise three types of waste: plastic waste, electronic waste, and hazardous chemical waste. These types of waste are due to disposable vapes' e-liquid containers, packaging, and batteries. There is also currently no legal way to recycle disposable vapes because they contain both electronic and hazardous waste.

Resource consumption and waste

The disposable vapes sold in the UK last year used enough copper and lithium to manufacture 370,000 at-home electric vehicle chargers and more than 2,500 EV batteries, respectively. The lithium found in vape batteries must also be mined from brine or hard rock. This can lead to water shortages and soil degradation and erosion. Many disposable vapes also get their nicotine concentration from tobacco plants, leading to deforestation of ecosystems so more tobacco can be grown, harvested, and manufactured. It is estimated by the World Health Organization that 600 million trees are cut down each year by the tobacco industry. Improper disposal of disposable e-cigarettes, which are often carelessly discarded rather than being properly recycled at electronic waste facilities as smartphones typically are, leads to significant waste management challenges. These challenges are twofold due to the e-cigarettes' composition, which includes electronic circuit boards and lithium-ion batteries. Over time, as the lithium-ion batteries in e-cigarettes deteriorate, they begin to release hazardous substances into the environment. Furthermore, when these batteries are thrown into regular trash receptacles, they introduce the potential for both explosions and fires within waste collection and processing infrastructure, including recycling centers and collection vehicles.

Environmental pollution

Disposable vapes contribute to environmental pollution in several ways. As they break down, the batteries and circuit boards can release toxic chemicals into the environment, while the plastic casings contribute to microplastic pollution. E-cigarettes are composed of various hazardous substances, such as nicotine, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and metallic elements. Furthermore, if not disposed of properly, lithium batteries can cause fires at waste disposal facilities.

Carbon footprint

The environmental impact of disposable vapes extends to their carbon footprint. In Scotland, the total emissions associated with disposable vapes in 2022 were estimated to be up to 4,292 tonnes CO2e, equivalent to the emissions from approximately 2,100 cars.

Recycling and consumer behavior

A significant portion of the environmental impact of disposable vapes stems from the low rates of recycling. According to research from the Green Wings Project, 75% of UK users admit they never recycle their used devices. This, combined with the challenges associated with recycling disposable vapes, contributes to their environmental footprint. Vapes are difficult and expensive to recycle because they are made from a mixture of plastic, copper, and a lithium battery, which cannot be separated from one another. The plastics found in vapes also never fully decompose and instead turn into microplastics.

Legislative and recycling initiatives

There are laws and initiatives aimed at mitigating the environmental impact of disposable vapes, including obligations for retailers to provide recycling services for these products. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives is hindered by limited awareness and participation, both on the part of consumers and retailers. The ongoing debate surrounding e-cigarettes stems from uncertainties about their long-term health effects and concerns that they may lead to traditional cigarette use. However, the environmental implications of e-cigarettes are becoming increasingly evident. Regulatory bodies are urged to extend their oversight beyond the health ramifications of vaping products to include their ecological consequences. The environmental concerns associated with e-cigarettes, particularly the disposable variety, are expected to intensify in correlation with their growing market presence.