Ash-Free Ashley Talks Disposable Vapes and Their Environmental Impact with Environmentalist Emily
Hey, everyone. Ashley is here. I’m excited to introduce you to someone who’s been making waves in the sustainability space—meet Emily! She’s an environmentalist who’s been studying the impact of electronic waste, including disposable vapes. I reached out to her because I wanted to understand what’s really going on with vaping and the planet.
Emily: Hey, Ashley! So happy to be here. And honestly, thank you for opening up this conversation. Vaping is one of those habits that seems small on the surface, but disposable vapes? They’ve created an environmental mess we’re only just beginning to see.
Ashley: Yikes. That sounds serious already. I mean, I knew disposables weren’t great, but I didn’t realise they were that bad. What’s the main issue?
Emily: The biggest red flag? E-waste. Disposable vapes are single-use products, and they’re packed with plastic, lithium-ion batteries, and circuit boards. Millions get tossed every week, and most aren’t recycled properly. They end up in landfills or worse—incinerators. The various components, like metal, plastic, and coils, need to be properly separated and recycled to minimise environmental impact.
Ashley: And here I thought I was just throwing away something tiny and harmless. So what happens when they do end up in landfills?
Emily: That’s where it gets worse. These devices can leak nicotine, heavy metals, and other toxins into the environment. We’re talking about chemicals that affect soil, waterways, and wildlife. It’s not just an eyesore—it’s pollution that sticks around for decades.
Ashley: That makes my stomach turn a little. But wait—don’t these things have batteries too? Are they dangerous when tossed?
Emily: Absolutely. The lithium batteries inside disposables can catch fire if crushed or damaged. Imagine a garbage truck full of flammable batteries—yes, that’s a real risk. There have been increasing reports of waste facility fires linked to disposable vape batteries. Properly disposing of these components is crucial to minimise environmental impact.
Ashley: That’s honestly terrifying. So basically, disposable vapes are accidents waiting to happen?
Emily: You could say that. Many issues are caused by disposable vapes not being disposed of correctly. And on top of all that, they’re made from non-biodegradable materials. So once they’re in the landfill, they’re there for good. Plus, they waste critical resources like lithium and copper—materials we desperately need for clean energy tech.
Ashley: Okay, now I’m seeing the full picture. It’s more than just a trash problem. So what’s being done about it?
Emily: Well, some governments are already considering bans on single-use vapes. And while it might sound extreme to some, there’s a solid environmental case for it. Fewer disposables mean less plastic, fewer fire risks, and more room for sustainable innovation.
Ashley: I can see that. Less waste, fewer fires, cleaner streets… I don’t know about you, but I’ve definitely spotted disposable vapes tossed in parks and on sidewalks.
Emily: Same here. And the cleanup costs fall on local councils or volunteers. It’s not sustainable—literally or financially.
Ashley: So, let’s talk solutions. What are the better alternatives for people who want to vape responsibly?
Emily: Great question. Refillable vapes are the most obvious switch—they’re built to last, and you only replace the e-liquid or coil instead of tossing the whole device. They save money in the long run, too.
Ashley: I like that—budget-friendly and better for the environment. What else is out there?
Emily: Some brands are offering biodegradable vapes made with materials like hemp or compostable plastic. It’s still a developing space, but it's exciting nonetheless. Using vape kits with reusable components also significantly reduces waste.
Ashley: I hadn’t heard of that! That sounds promising. Are reusable pods another good option?
Emily: Definitely. Devices with reusable or refillable pods significantly reduce waste. Pair those with eco-friendly e-liquids—ones made from organic or naturally sourced ingredients—and you have a much smaller footprint. Refillable pods and replaceable coils can also extend the lifespan of vaping devices.
Ashley: Love it. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about making better choices. Oh—and I heard some vape brands are now offering recycling programs?
Emily: Yes! And, from 1st April 2024, it became a requirement for retailers to offer vape takeback schemes. That means if a shop sells a specific type of vape, they’re legally required to take back used ones that serve the same function—not just the same brand. It’s a one-for-one system, free of charge, and a big step forward. On top of that, some brands are stepping up by using recyclable materials and eco-friendly packaging, which makes sustainable vaping even more accessible.
Ashley: Okay, let’s make this easy for readers. If someone wants to vape more consciously, what can they do starting today?
Emily: Here’s a quick list:
Ashley: This is gold, Emily. I know there’s still a long way to go, but knowing better options is encouraging.
Emily: Absolutely. It’s all about awareness and action. The more we talk about this, the more pressure the industry has to change. Being an eco-friendly vaper means choosing products with reusable components and understanding the environmental impact of non-recyclable components in disposable vapes.
Ashley: Thank you so much for your time and insight and for keeping it real. I learned a lot today, and I hope our readers feel empowered to rethink their vape habits without shame or pressure.
Emily: My pleasure, Ashley. Change starts with a single decision, and even small shifts can lead to a big impact. If you care about the planet, your choices matter. Using power efficiently to reduce carbon emissions is also crucial.
Ashley: And there you have it. Thanks for reading, friends. Until next time—stay curious, stay kind, and if you’re vaping, try to do it with the planet in mind. Switching to vaping can also help reduce the environmental impact of cigarette butts, which are a major source of pollution.
The vaping industry is grappling with a mounting issue: waste generation and disposal. Disposable vapes significantly contribute to this problem, with millions of devices discarded annually. The waste generated by disposable vapes includes:
To tackle the issue of waste generation and disposal, the vaping industry must adopt sustainable practices, such as recycling and responsible disposal. Vapers can also contribute by choosing eco-friendly vaping options and ensuring their devices are disposed of responsibly.
As awareness of the environmental impact of vaping grows, eco-friendly vaping options are becoming more popular. Some sustainable alternatives include:
Eco-friendly vaping options help reduce waste and save money in the long run. Vapers can also consider switching to sustainable devices made from recyclable materials to minimise their environmental footprint further.
The vaping industry is crucial in adopting sustainable practices and reducing its environmental impact. This can be achieved through several measures:
Additionally, vape manufacturers can educate vapers about their devices' environmental impact and encourage them to adopt sustainable practices. By working together, the vaping industry can reduce its environmental footprint and promote more sustainable habits.