Disposable vapes have become prevalent, with nearly 500,000 discarded every day in the U.S. Their environmental impact is significant due to toxic substances contained within, such as nicotine, which can harm ecosystems. These devices are also non-recyclable, contributing to microplastics and additional pollutants. Many of these vapes include digital features, making them analogous to electronic waste. Moreover, the lithium ion batteries require critical minerals, necessitating mining that is associated with human rights dilemmas. The total lithium used for disposable vapes is substantial and raises concerns about environmental and ethical implications.
Americans now throw away an incredible number of these disposable vapes: nearly 500,000 every day, or about 5.7 vapes per second.
Disposable vapes are a 'particularly insidious' form of pollution for a few reasons… these devices contain nicotine, a toxic chemical that can leach into water and soil.
The lithium ion batteries in disposable vapes… weighs nearly 30 tons, equivalent to the amount of lithium needed to create 3,350 EV batteries.
Each disposable vape tossed is like 'throwing away miniature computers after a few days of use,' highlighting the electronic waste aspect of disposable vapes.
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