Here we explain the negative impact of disposable electronic cigarettes on the environment and the challenge they pose to the waste management system.
Reading time 3 min
Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigs, are those devices capable of emitting vapor, usually flavored, with a nicotine concentration ranging from 0 to 20 mg. Such vapor is generated by superheating a mixture composed of water, propylene glycol, glycerol and flavoring substances.
E-cigs can be found on the market either in the form of refillable "pens" to which only electronic parts need to be replaced, such as the internal resistance once worn out, or in the form of disposable "pens". It is the latter category that is the focus of concern about the environmental damage resulting from their dispersal.
It is not easy to decree the average life of a disposable electronic cigarette, as it is programmed on a maximum of "puffs" (equivalent to the inhales of classic cigarettes). Therefore, it all depends on the smoker's puff frequency. On average, each e-cig is programmed to deliver between 600 and 800 puffs, corresponding to slightly more than 20 classic cigarettes. It therefore seems clear that the average life of these devices is very short.
Once exhausted, e-cigs are fully classified as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), and should therefore be specially sorted.
However, the proper disposal of e-cigs, particularly disposable e-cigs, in separate collection does not seem to be the priority of the user about to get rid of them. In fact, their dispersal in the environment proceeds at an increasing rate. Testifying to this is a case study conducted by the London-based company Bywaters, which analyzed the content of waste produced by the city's inhabitants over the past 3 years: in particular, it shows a sharp increase in all those wastes related to the vaping industry and practice. In the face of this increase, Bywaters organized a public waste collection event to raise awareness about the negative impacts of disposable cigarettes. At the end of this event, the company counts 129 kg of e-cig-related waste
Equipment such as electronic cigarettes are subject to the EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) system, under which the producer of a good has responsibility (including economic responsibility) for the end-of-life management of the good. Not only that, this environmental policy requires good producers to implement communication and awareness campaigns aimed at consumers in order to inform them about the proper disposal of waste from their products.
The problem of incorrect disposal by users of disposable electronic cigarettes can be traced not only to unvirtuous individual behavior but also to the lack of widespread and effective information about the waste produced.
Waste management (and upstream goods production) should prioritize prevention, reduction and reuse, consistent with the pyramid of the waste hierarchy cited in Directive 98/2008/EC. Therefore, it seems clear that no disposable practice complies with these directions. In the case of e-cigs in particular, the aggravating factor emerges related to the valuable and rare materials used as well as of the complexity of the waste generated,Given its plastic and electronic components, the correct disposal of this waste is essential both to avoid substantial environmental damage but also to avoid the waste of very valuable resources by sending them for recycling.
If you don't know where to drop off your WEEE consult our map of Collection Centers in the metropolitan area!
In addition, since 2010 Legislative Decree 151/2005 has been in force, which provides the possibility for users to return electronic equipment waste to the store itself upon purchase of an equivalent device or appliance. This mechanism is also known as "one-for-one",
This provision was supplemented in 2016 by Ministerial Decree 121/2016, with the aim of facilitating and simplifying the management and collection of small WEEE (up to 25 cm), making it possible to hand over small WEEE to retailers and shopkeepers without the obligation of an equivalent purchase to the returned product. This mechanism is referred to as "one-for-zero."
Anna Ferrari
To read more:
Non riciclabili e inquinanti, le e-cigarette diventano un problema ambientale (Green & Blue)
Sigaretta elettronica (Ministero della Salute)
Read also:
Piccoli RAEE (beataladifferenziata)