The European Litter Prevention Association

Single-use e-cigarettes, as a litter challenge, arrive at EU’s doorstep

11 July 2024
The European Waste Management Association (FEAD), together with other waste management associations, is calling for a complete ban of disposable vapes by the end of 2024 as they pose a threat to the environment and human health.

Under the EU’s Extended Producer Responsibility regulations in EU, single-use e-cigarettes are classified as “Electric and Electronic Equipment” (EEE) and, therefore, manufacturers and/or distributors are responsible for contributing to their separate collection and end-of-life recycling. However, due to lack of awareness, cases of “free-riding” and poor enforcement of regulations, many producers/distributors of these vapes do not register with their PRO and therefore do not contribute to the Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) treatment system.

Additionally, single-use e-cigarettes do not have a rechargeable battery and many users do not know how to properly dispose of them properly. As a result, this practice causes environmental damage through littering and poses a threat to wildlife. Water supplies are negatively impacted as disposable vapes release harmful chemicals such as nicotine and e-liquids when disposed of improperly.

Careless or irresponsible disposal of these devices, which contain a lithium battery, can lead to fires in street and domestic bins, municipal collection containers collection, waste trucks and waste management facilities.
The safety and impact of single-use e-cigarettes is today a growing public and industry concern with countries such as the United Kingdom and France taking already measures to either limit or ban the use of such devices.
The associations call for the correct implementation of existing EU and national environmental legislation and the application of a ban on disposable vapes to limit their ongoing damage to the environment.

This constitutes another case where behaviour change and litter prevention can reduce the negative environmental effects of products and lead to an effective circular economy.