Key point: The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) announced that it will launch a new e-cigarette recycling information hub in October, along with a dedicated Sustainable Vaping Week campaign.
The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has announced that it will launch a new e-cigarette recycling resource information hub in October, along with a special Sustainable Vaping Week campaign, aimed at encouraging e-cigarette users, the vaping industry, and stores that sell e-cigarettes to take action now to reverse the environmental impact caused by the careless disposal of disposable e-cigarettes.According to a report released by UKVIA, around 5 million disposable e-cigarettes are thrown away every week in the UK.The new resource hub and week-long campaign will provide e-cigarette users with guidance on what to keep in mind when recycling disposable e-cigarettes, as well as where they can dispose of them responsibly. Educational resources will also be available for download by vape retailers and other venues, such as pubs and clubs, to help educate their customers on how to recycle disposable e-cigarettes during the campaign week and throughout the year.The campaign will also offer guidance to those responsible for producing, importing, distributing, and selling vaping devices, to ensure they operate legally at all times, comply with environmental regulations, and work closely and effectively with reputable waste management companies.John Dunne, Director General of the UK Vaping Industry Association, said: “Some have called for a ban on disposable e-cigarettes, partly because of their environmental impact. However, a ban would not solve the problem. First of all, disposable e-cigarettes have proven highly effective in helping smokers switch to far less harmful e-cigarettes because they are easy to use, convenient, and inexpensive to get started with. This is one of the main reasons why smoking rates in the UK are currently at a historic low. In addition, through the joint efforts of a range of stakeholders, we can reverse the current environmental impact caused by discarded e-cigarettes.”Following International E-Waste Day on October 14, Sustainable Vaping Week will begin on October 16. The resource hub will become a permanent source of information on e-cigarettes and the environment.
