Illegal Disposal of E-cigarettes Threatens Australia's Clear Waters

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Apr.19.2024
Illegal Disposal of E-cigarettes Threatens Australia's Clear Waters
Illegal e-cigarette dumping pollutes Australian waters, with diver Wayne Bradbury finding colorful litter in Shoalwater Bay.

According to the Australian Night News on April 19, a man named Wayne Bradbury discovered a brightly colored object flashing on the usually clear sandy bottom of Shoalwater Bay while scuba diving. However, instead of being an exotic fish adding a splash of color to the seabed, it turned out to be a colorful e-cigarette.

 

When Mr. Bradbury saw the first e-cigarette in the water, he felt confused, but when he saw the second one, he was shocked.

 

"The water is very clear and I could see e-cigarettes lying at the bottom of the sea around me," he recounted. "I had to go back and forth twice to clear out all the e-cigarettes from my pocket." These e-cigarettes are illegally sold in Western Australia and are being casually discarded at the sea bottom, covering an area of about 20 meters in radius. "Most likely they were thrown into the water from the shore," Bradbury responded.

 

When he returned to shore and saw the pile of e-cigarettes, Bradbury was shocked by people's reckless behavior. He stated that he has spent most of his life diving in this body of water, and this was the first time he encountered e-cigarettes in the water.

 

"Lohjankrum's seawater is very clear," he said.

 

Bradbury collected a total of 38 e-cigarettes and took a photo of the pile of trash. E-cigarette litter is becoming an increasingly concerning issue, as a single e-cigarette could take hundreds of years to decompose. The lithium batteries in e-cigarettes may leak harmful chemicals and are difficult to recycle.

 

Bradbury's sharing of a photo of an e-cigarette on social media immediately sparked over 100 comments. One woman mentioned that similar situations exist at other docks nearby, as e-cigarette users tend to toss them into the water after use. Some people appreciated his effort in cleaning up the area.

 

Bradbury had a message for those who discard e-cigarettes: "Wake up and don't ruin our beautiful coastline. Please dispose of your trash properly and be a better person."

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

The U.S. FDA has issued two notices: seeking public comments on regulations regarding tobacco retailer training programs and sales restrictions
The U.S. FDA has issued two notices: seeking public comments on regulations regarding tobacco retailer training programs and sales restrictions
On August 22, the U.S. FDA issued two notices soliciting public comments on regulations regarding tobacco retailer training programs and restrictions on tobacco sales. Both notices provide a 60-day public comment period under the Paperwork Reduction Act, aiming to protect public health, especially that of children and adolescents, by regulating retailer behavior and restricting tobacco sales.
Aug.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Government Officially Confirms Vaping Products Duty and Stamps Scheme, Effective October 2026
UK Government Officially Confirms Vaping Products Duty and Stamps Scheme, Effective October 2026
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has officially confirmed that the UK will implement a Vaping Products Duty (VPD) and Vaping Duty Stamps (VDS) scheme from October 1, 2026. The duty will apply to all vaping liquids at a flat rate of £2.20 per 10ml. Businesses must register for approval starting April 1, 2026. The stamps scheme will take effect in October 2026 with a six-month grace period, after which, from April 2027, unstamped products will be prohibited from sale.
Oct.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea Again Delays Review of Tobacco Act Amendment; Synthetic Nicotine Still in a Regulatory Gap
South Korea Again Delays Review of Tobacco Act Amendment; Synthetic Nicotine Still in a Regulatory Gap
On September 9, South Korea’s National Assembly again postponed reviewing amendments to the Tobacco Business Act that would classify synthetic nicotine as tobacco, prolonging a regulatory gap that leaves such products untaxed and legally sold near schools and via vending machines. This delay persists despite 36 of 38 OECD countries regulating synthetic nicotine at tobacco-equivalent standards and a November 2024 government study indicating substantial harms. The subcommittee plans to reconvene S
Sep.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Experts Make the Case for THR in Asia-Pacific, as Demand, Science, and Industry Drive Its Growth
Experts Make the Case for THR in Asia-Pacific, as Demand, Science, and Industry Drive Its Growth
At the inaugural AFN, Dr. Rohan Sequeira and Dr. Alex Wodak emphasized that THR offers a science-based approach to reduce smoking-related harm—not merely as an alternative to cessation. They urged policymakers across Asia to reassess tobacco control and include non-combustible products in public health strategies. This article outlines the scientific foundation of THR, its regional challenges, and growth momentum.2Firsts provided in-depth coverage of the forum.
Sep.09
Vapeitalia Partners with UK E-Liquid Brand Vampire Vape to Launch Exclusive Flavors and New Product Line in Italy
Vapeitalia Partners with UK E-Liquid Brand Vampire Vape to Launch Exclusive Flavors and New Product Line in Italy
UK e-liquid brand Vampire Vape is entering the Italian market through an exclusive partnership with Vapeitalia. The collaboration will introduce the brand’s signature flavors Heisenberg and Pinkman, along with the new Purple Craze Ice. At the same time, Vampire Vape’s Bar Salts range will make its Italian debut, offering users a diverse selection of fruit flavors.
Aug.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Spanish Anti-Tobacco Group Urges 10-Year “Cooling-Off” Ban on Ex-Officials Working for Tobacco Industry
Spanish Anti-Tobacco Group Urges 10-Year “Cooling-Off” Ban on Ex-Officials Working for Tobacco Industry
Spanish advocacy group Nofumadores.org has called for urgent reforms to Spain’s conflict-of-interest rules to bar politicians and senior civil servants from taking jobs in the tobacco industry for 10 years after leaving office. The appeal follows a series of hires by Philip Morris, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) and distributor Logista that the group says risk undermining ongoing anti-tobacco legislation. The Health Ministry, led by Mónica García, aims to expand smoke-free spaces, raise tobac
Sep.08