Taking Care of the ‘Āina: Seeking Solutions for Hazardous E-Waste Caused by Disposable E-Cigarettes

Caption: Two disposable e-cigarettes, a cigarette box, and two cups littered on Halekauwila St. in downtown Honolulu.

E-cigarettes, also known as vapes, have become one of the most popular tobacco products, especially among youth and young adults. As the wide range of enticing flavors and brands makes them appealing to new users, health concerns aside, with growing use comes a growing problem: how to properly and safely dispose of them.

Like cigarette butts, many e-cigarettes are discarded in the trash, or worse, littered on sidewalks, beaches, or parks. Improper disposal raises serious environmental and safety concerns, as most vapes contain plastic, lithium-ion batteries, metals, and residual nicotine, all of which pose unique hazards to our environment.

The e-liquid inside e-cigarettes contains toxic chemicals, including nicotine, flavoring agents, and heavy metals. When discarded irresponsibly, these products can be picked up and used by young children and others.  When left littered in the environment, the hazardous materials can seep into the soil and waterways, threatening wildlife and potentially impacting human health.

Lithium-ion batteries, which power most e-cigarettes, contain metals such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt. If not handled correctly, they can leak into the environment or even cause fires and explosions. In addition to being dangerous, the accumulation of discarded batteries creates long-term environmental risks. 

The rise in popularity of disposable e-cigarettes has also contributed to the growing problem of single-use plastic waste. E-cigarette components,  like cartridges, mouthpieces, and casings, will break down into microplastics, which persist in the environment and can end up in our streams, rivers, and oceans. These microplastics are frequently ingested by wildlife and can eventually enter the human food chain. 

Members of the Tobacco-Free Hawai‘i Island coalition expressed concerns about how to properly dispose of e-cigarettes, citing a lack of information regarding disposal methods.

In response, the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai‘i hosted an intern responsible for identifying safe disposal methods for e-cigarettes. The intern proposed that used e-cigarettes be taken to designated disposal drop-off locations, ensuring that batteries are recycled correctly, and highlighted the significance of not littering vapes.

What can be done? 

Awareness is a critical first step. Due to the marketing of these products as “disposable”, many e-cigarette users may not be aware that throwing devices in the trash or on the ground can cause environmental harm. A coordinated public education campaign that includes informing the public about the environmental hazards of e-cigarette waste could be an initial first step.  Ultimately, the e-cigarette industry and other retailers that sell e-cigarettes should take responsibility and incentivize the safe and proper disposal of used e-cigarettes. 

Policy solutions are also key. Advocating for regulations that impose fines on retailers who sell these harmful products without providing an e-waste solution can help reduce environmental harm. In addition, prohibiting the sale of single-use, “disposable” e-cigarettes like plastic straws, single-use plastic bags, and styrofoam food containers may be a better long-term solution.

By acknowledging the environmental consequences of e-cigarette use and taking action to address them, we can help protect the ‘āina for future generations. Whether it’s proper disposal, recycling, or pushing for policy change, every step matters.