Disclaimer: Smoking and e-cigarettes are bad for your health!
Don't put e-cigs in general waste
It’s important to recognise that e-cigarettes should not be
disposed of in general waste bins. E-cigarettes contain several hazardous
components, including lithium-ion batteries and are classed as a category
7 EEE (Electrical and Electronic Equipment).
When improperly disposed of, these substances can pose
significant risks to the environment, human health, and safety. Instead, we
need to adopt responsible practices to ensure the proper handling and disposal
of e-cigarettes.
Don't mix recycling streams
Separation is key when it comes to disposing of
e-cigarettes. Mixing e-cigarettes with regular recycling streams, such as
paper, plastic, or glass, can lead to contamination
and complicate the recycling process, as well as being a huge fire hazard.
Remember, e-cigarettes are not made of traditional
recyclable materials and need to be handled separately, as WEEE (Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment) recycling. Mixing them with other
recyclables can hinder the recycling efforts and increase the risk of
mishandling hazardous components.
E-cigarettes need to be disposed of as hazardous waste
Due to their potentially harmful components, e-cigarettes
should be treated as hazardous waste. When disposing of e-cigarettes, it is
important to follow local regulations and guidelines for hazardous waste
disposal.
Many local waste management facilities provide specific
drop-off points or collection services
for hazardous items. By disposing of e-cigarettes properly, we minimise the
risk of potential harm to the environment and the individuals involved in waste
management.
Keep contaminants separate
Apart from the batteries and e-liquid, e-cigarettes can also contain other contaminants like metals and plastics. These materials can be harmful if they enter the regular waste or recycling streams. To prevent contamination, it's essential to keep e-cigarettes and their components separate from other waste materials. This includes removing and safely disposing of the batteries (if possible) and emptying any remaining e-liquid before disposal.
E-cigarettes can cause fires!
One significant hazard associated with e-cigarettes is the
potential for fires. Improper disposal of e-cigarettes, especially with
batteries still attached, can lead to fires in waste management facilities or
during transportation. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in e-cigarettes,
can be volatile and combustible if mishandled or damaged. By properly disposing
of e-cigarettes as hazardous
waste, we reduce the risk of fire accidents and protect those who
handle waste materials.
What can you do to help?
As the use of e-cigarettes continues to grow, it's crucial
that we educate ourselves about their proper disposal. Treating e-cigarettes
like regular waste or mixing them with recycling streams can lead to
environmental contamination, health hazards, and fire risks.
By following responsible disposal practices and treating
e-cigarettes as hazardous waste, we can minimize these risks and ensure the
safety of both our environment and those involved in waste management.
At Russell Richardson, we are committed to proper waste management and the protection of the environment. We provide specialised services, including the disposal of WEEE, which includes e-cigarettes. By prioritising responsible disposal practices, we can all contribute to a safer, cleaner future. All WEEE is processed by security cleared staff at our associated Approved Authorised Treatment Facility (AAFT) and is fully licensed with The Environment Agency.