Environmental impact of electronic cigarettes

Disposable electronic cigarettes, also known as disposable vapes, have been linked to numerous environmental concerns. The single-use devices are seen as convenient, but have been found to create 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 e-cigarettes can contribute to carbon emissions, resource depletion, and environmental pollution through the potential release of toxic substances such as high amounts of lithium metal.

Use of disposable e-cigarettes

The use of disposable e-cigarettes has become increasingly popular worldwide, particularly among users seeking convenience and variety.^[1] These e-cigarettes offer a wide range of flavors and strengths, catering to both novice and experienced users. Unlike their rechargeable counterparts, disposable e-cigarettes 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.

Environmental risks

Electronic waste and recycling challenges

As of 2023, more than 1.3 million single-use e-cigarettes are discarded every week in Britain, contributing to electronic waste.^[2] Disposable e-cigarettes are difficult and expensive to recycle, as they include hard-to-separate materials; these include metals such as aluminum, lithium, copper and stainless steel, as well as plastics and electronic components, such that disposable e-cigarettes comprise three categories of waste: plastic waste, electronic waste, and hazardous chemical waste.^[1] These polluting materials primarily come from e-liquid containers, packaging, and batteries.^[3] Furthermore, it is estimated that each e-cigarette contains 0.15g of lithium in its battery, a metal considered critical by the United States and European Union; the global sales of these devices resulted in the consumption of 90 tonnes of lithium in the year 2022.^[4] 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.^[2] There is also currently no legal way to recycle disposable e-cigarettes, as they contain both electronic and hazardous waste.^[1]

Resource consumption and waste

In 2022, disposable e-cigarette production in the United Kingdom used enough copper and lithium to manufacture 370,000 at-home electric vehicle chargers and more than 2,500 EV batteries, respectively.^[4] Additonally, the lithium found in e-cigarette batteries must be mined from brine or hard rock, which can lead to water shortages, soil degradation and erosion.^[5] Furthermore, many disposable e-cigarettes get their nicotine concentration from tobacco plants, leading to deforestation of ecosystems such so that 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.^[5] Improper disposal of disposable e-cigarettes leads to significant waste management challenges, due to the inclusion of electronic circuit boards and lithium-ion batteries inside of disposable e-cigarettes. 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.^[1]

Environmental pollution

Disposable e-cigarettes 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, as these plastics never fully decompose.^[5] E-cigarette fluid is composed of various hazardous substances, such as nicotine, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and metallic elements.^[6] Improper disposal of lithium batteries can cause fires at waste facilities.^[2]

Recycling and consumer behavior

A significant portion of the environmental impact of disposable e-cigarettes stems from the low rates of recycling. According to research from the Green Wings Project, approximately 75% of UK users do not recycle their used devices. This, combined with the challenges associated with recycling disposable e-cigarettes, contributes to their environmental footprint.^[2] E-cigarettes are difficult and expensive to recycle, as they are made from a mixture of plastic, copper, and a lithium battery, which cannot be separated from one another.^[7] The plastics found in e-cigarettes also never fully decompose and instead turn into microplastics.^[5]

Legislative and recycling initiatives

There are laws and initiatives aimed at mitigating the environmental impact of disposable e-cigarettes, 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.^[4] 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^{[by whom?]} 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^{[by whom?]} to intensify in correlation with their growing market presence.^[1]