With the soaring popularity of vaping, we’ve seen an unfortunate and simultaneous rise in e cigarette waste. It’s important to examine the numbers to truly grasp the scope of the issue. This isn’t just a matter of overflowing landfills; it’s an environmental hazard of staggering proportions.

Disposable vapes are full of materials that should not be entering our ecosystem. The lithium-ion batteries contained in these single-use vapes are highly flammable and pose significant fire risks, particularly when they end up in waste processing centres. Furthermore, when not disposed of properly, there’s a risk of harmful chemicals like battery waste, lithium, and nicotine leaching into the environment. These hazardous materials can contaminate the soil and water, creating long-lasting damage that is not easily reversible.

WEEE Malta is not turning a blind eye to this ongrowing issue. Over the last three years, the import value of these products has increased from €45,000 in 2020 to €587,000 in 2021 and up to €1.7 million in 2022. The latter resulted in a net weight of 22,000 kgs of vapes or their accessories, the equivalent of around 1,000,000 units in one year.

Recognising the fastest-growing waste stream generated by disposable vapes, WEEE Malta is steadfasting a collection initiative to educate the public on how to dispose of vapes safely and increase recycling services.

This is precisely where WEEE Malta aims to make a difference with our vape recycling initiatibe. The need for action is also pressing in Malta, and through this initiative, we hope to contribute substantially to alleviating this growing environmental concern.