According to the dailyecho on August 7, Hampshire County Council in the UK is calling for a nationwide ban on the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes. With the rise of e-cigarettes, it is estimated that 1.3 million single-use e-cigarettes are discarded every week, making it the fastest growing type of waste.
Nick Adams-King, executive lead member for universal services at Hampshire County Council, said he was concerned about the increasing amount of plastic waste generated by discarded e-cigarettes.
He is also concerned about the serious health problems associated with underage vaping.
Previously, discarded e-cigarettes caused a garbage truck fire in Bursseldon. In response to these concerns, Hampshire County Council has joined other local authorities across the UK in calling for a ban on single-use e-cigarettes.
The agency also allows people to recycle e-cigarettes at any household waste recycling center.
Nick, executive lead member for universal access at Hampshire County Council, said:
“Discarded e-cigarettes are becoming more common in our villages, towns and cities, creating a significant amount of additional plastic waste. This is one of the reasons Hampshire County Council has joined local authorities across the UK in calling for a ban on single-use e-cigarettes, alongside the serious health problems associated with underage vaping.”
Disposable e-cigarettes contain lithium-ion batteries, which can cause fires if damaged.
Hampshire County Council estimates that one fire a month is caused by batteries, faulty appliances or disposable barbecues, in refuse trucks or facilities.
In 2021, a major fire at the Portsmouth Materials Recycling facility, suspected to have been caused by a battery, led to the site being closed for three months.
References:
[1] Hampshire County Council calls for ban on single-use vapes