UK Disposable E-cigarette Sales Cause Environmental Concerns

According to the Dailyrecord, a British environmental organization called Material Focus has reported that the sales of disposable electronic cigarettes in the country have surged to an astonishing 138 million per year. The organization has stated that these disposable electronic cigarette devices have become a "quadruple environmental threat": they waste vital resources such as lithium and copper, contribute to plastic pollution, and pose risks of both fires and hazardous waste.

They analyzed and investigated the company records of more than 150 electronic cigarette and e-liquid producers, and determined that only 16 companies have signed producer responsibility environmental regulations, including those for waste electrical and electronic equipment, portable batteries, and packaging.

All of the companies surveyed are members of electronic cigarette trade associations, such as the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), and are also registered with British health regulatory bodies.

The spokesperson for Scotland's local political party the Green Party, Gillian Mackay, has stated that these findings are "shocking" and show that the e-cigarette industry needs to "improve its behavior". Just last month, she obtained an "urgent review" by the Scottish government of disposable e-cigarettes, including the potential for a ban.

Mike Kay said, "In fact, I hope they take action first, and we will start to see the gradual elimination of disposable electronic cigarettes.

John Dunne, the Director General of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), acknowledged the environmental impact of disposable e-cigarettes in response to the controversy. However, he believes that there is a significant potential for maximum recycling and reuse of such products.

Reference:

A new report suggests that 90% of vape manufacturers in the UK are not adhering to the country's environmental regulations.