In a groundbreaking new study conducted by Waste Experts and commissioned by vape producer ANDS, it has been revealed that single-use vapes can be recycled successfully if they are "collected and handled correctly." The study examined 250 units of two different single-use vape products, namely Product A, an existing plastic and aluminum vape widely available in the market, and Product B, a new cardboard-based product introduced by ANDS.
Assessing Recycling Performance
The study's findings were remarkable. Product A was found to be 80.09% recyclable, while Product B showed a recycling potential of 74.78%. However, it's important to note that 99.3% of Product B was either recyclable or recoverable, compared to 97.6% for Product A. Additionally, when it came to disposal to landfill, Product B outperformed Product A with only 0.7% ending up in landfills, compared to 1.15% for Product A.
Components and Disassembly Time
Dismantling the vapes for recycling was another significant aspect examined in the study. It took 210 minutes to dismantle all 250 units of Product A, while Product B required only 90 minutes. Further, Product B consisted of seven components, whereas Product A had eleven components, making Product B more streamlined for recycling.
Reception of the Findings
The survey's results were presented to parliamentarians at a special House of Parliament reception. Mark Pawsey MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Vaping, emphasized that the "climate is changing" around single-use e-cigarettes and highlighted the "window of opportunity" to address the environmental impact of disposable vapes.
Measuring Recyclability
Waste Experts gauged the recyclability of these products based on several factors, including the materials used, weight of recyclable components, waste diverted from landfills, disassembly time, number of components, and overall product weight in each case.
Stewart Price, Scheme Manager at Waste Experts, remarked that both products demonstrated a strong recyclability performance, despite some variations between them.
Addressing Urgent Challenges
However, Price also acknowledged the pressing challenges that demand immediate attention. Due to hazardous materials found in vapes, manual dismantling becomes necessary as there is currently no safe mechanical method to treat all types of vapes, such as the e-liquid container and lithium batteries. This presents an expensive and rate-limiting step, requiring suitably qualified personnel.
The study identified other challenges, such as limited recycling options for plastic wrapping, which often ends up in energy from waste (EfW) applications. Moreover, the industry needs to consider how to manage used units that may have deteriorated over time due to extended use and/or storage pending treatment, possibly requiring specialized attention.
The Longevity of Single-Use Vapes
It's crucial to recognize that single-use vapes comprise various components that, if not disposed of responsibly, can remain on our planet for years, contributing to environmental pollution.
Taking Action Against Littering
Reacting to the study, Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS), emphasized that any form of littering is unacceptable as it damages the environment, economy, and tarnishes the areas we live, work, and socialize in. The sight of discarded single-use vapes on the streets has become all too common, underscoring the urgency to tackle our throwaway culture.
Earlier this year, ZWS led the way by producing the "environmental impact of single-use e-cigarettes" report. The organization is committed to collaborating with the Scottish Government to highlight the immense impact that littering these items has on our environment.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Are single-use vapes recyclable?
- According to the study conducted by Waste Experts, single-use vapes can be recycled if collected and handled correctly. The recyclability percentage varies between different products.
Which product performed better in recycling?
- Product B, the new cardboard-based vape introduced by ANDS, performed better in recycling, with a higher percentage of recyclable or recoverable materials and less waste ending up in landfills.
How long does it take to dismantle the vapes for recycling?
- The study found that it took 210 minutes to dismantle all 250 units of Product A, the existing plastic and aluminum vape, while Product B, the cardboard-based vape, required only 90 minutes for the same process.
What challenges need urgent addressing in vape recycling?
- One of the urgent challenges is the presence of hazardous materials in vapes, which necessitates manual dismantling, as there is currently no safe mechanical method to treat all types of vapes. Additionally, limited recycling options for plastic wrapping and degraded used units also require attention.
Why is it important to address the environmental impact of single-use vapes?
- Single-use vapes consist of components that can persist on our planet for years if not disposed of responsibly. Their improper disposal contributes to environmental pollution and littering.
