Vaping is becoming more and more popular as it is believed to be safe.
There are several different types of vapes available with the most popular being disposable vape pens.
This is because they are easy to use and offered in multiple different flavors.
Many people choose vape pens over cigarettes because they think they are better for them.
Disposable vapes are considered to be less harmful than regular cigarettes, but they still aren’t safe.
It isn’t exactly clear what kind of chemicals are in vape pens, but it is known that there are fewer chemicals than in cigarettes.
While you are taking in fewer chemicals, there is a higher risk of lung injuries.
There are also some environmental impacts of disposable vapes that need to be considered.
Some of these impacts include water contamination, air pollution, and other impacts from improper disposal.
It is difficult to dispose of these products safely.
What is a Disposable Vapes?
You might be wondering what the difference is between a regular vape pen and a disposable vape pen.
The main difference between the two is that a disposable vape doesn’t have the ability to be recharged or refilled.
This means that when the battery or the cartridge runs out, the vape pen can no longer be used.
Disposable vape pens can also be classified as single use, since you can’t use them again once they run out.
They are usually available at affordable prices, which is why they are so popular.
The problem with disposable vapes is actually disposing of them.
Are Disposable Vapes Recyclable?
With disposable vapes rising in popularity, vape waste is also rising.
While it isn’t possible to recycle vape pens in your regular curbside recycling bin, you can still take them to the right facility and properly recycle them.
The easiest way to recycle disposable vape pens is by taking them to a local hazardous waste facility.
This is mostly due to the fact that they have batteries inside that shouldn’t be disposed of just any way.
If you don’t have a hazardous waste facility close to you, you can try to find a place that recycles batteries.
You should always call before heading out to a location to make sure they do actually accept what you are trying to give them.
Tips for Proper Disposal
First, always check with your local and state environmental agencies to make sure you follow all of the rules for disposal of vapes.
Make sure you separate the battery from the device and store all pieces in a sealed container in a cool environment.
It is recommended to keep your disposable cigarettes in a sealed container and dispose of them at a hazardous waste facility at least once every 90 days.
It is important that you do not rinse any of the pieces of the vape, including the cartridges.
This can contaminate the water that goes down your plumbing.
You should never throw a disposable vape pen in the trash.
This is true for all parts of the vape, even just the plastic.
Liquid nicotine has the ability to be absorbed through skin, and there is a risk of accidental poisoning if not careful.
What is the Environmental Impact of Disposable Vapes?
Disposable vapes have several negative impacts on the environment and they mostly all come from not being disposed of properly.
For example, when the batteries aren’t disposed of the right way, there is a high chance of water contamination.
Vapes also contribute to indoor air pollution.
This is because people assume they are safe to be used inside since it is just vapor.
However, the vapor that comes out of a vape pen can still contain nicotine and has the potential to be hazardous to others.
What Are the Health Risks of Disposable Vapes?
In addition to being harmful to the environment, disposable vapes are also harmful to your health.
There have been several health problems linked to vaping, and they can be severe or lead to more severe issues.
Lung Issues
When you vape, you are inhaling nicotine.
The oils used in vape pens contain multiple different metals and chemicals that can be harmful to your lungs like tin, nickel, lead, and the flavoring put in for the taste.
These ingredients can lead to coughing, trouble breathing, chest pain, fatigue, nausea, and more.
Brain Damage
Nicotine is an incredibly harmful substance.
It can cause damage to different parts of the brain that are responsible for controlling attention, mood, impulse, and learning.
Nicotine has also been proven to negatively impact the connection between brain cells, ultimately leading to brain damage.
Gum/Mouth Disease
Your mouth is said to be the primary indicator of your overall wellness.
Nicotine destroys healthy tissue and bacteria in your mouth.
This can reduce the nutrition that your gums receive and the blood flow that is needed to stay healthy.
Damaged gums can lead to several other issues in your mouth.
Heart Issues
Nicotine found in vape pens has also been linked to heart problems.
Since nicotine raises your blood pressure, your adrenaline will also increase.
The result of these two things happening is an increased heart rate and an increased risk of a heart attack.
There is also the potential of experiencing coronary artery disease and issues with blood circulation.
Conclusion
Many people have been taking up vaping instead of cigarettes because they think it is safer.
The risks are just about as high with a disposable vape as with actual cigarettes.
This is because both products still contain nicotine, which is the main chemical that causes so many health problems.
You might be able to recycle your disposable vape pens if you have a hazardous waste facility or battery recycling facility near you.
You can’t throw disposable vapes away in the trash and you can’t throw them in your regular recycling bin.
If not disposed of properly, disposable vape pens can have a negative impact on the environment.
If you aren’t sure what is acceptable in your area for disposal, contact your local waste management company.
