The Waste Problem With Disposable Vape Pens
Considering that vaping has become a big thing, we now have different types of vapers floating around. Today, thanks to the general use of vaping products, spent cartridges and batteries are lying on the streets. But how beneficial is vape waste to our environment? The truth is that the problem of increased vape water continues to grow and it’s time to look for a better alternative.
The current trend towards disposable vaping causes several problems and many better alternatives to these vaping products are missing. Hopefully, more alternatives will emerge and be available to the general public in the future.
What is a vape cart?
Many people are familiar with the vape cart. They usually take the form of a small container with a cartridge attached and filled with everything. The cartridges are usually made from polycarbonate plastic but can be made from other materials such as ceramic, glass or stainless steel.
The cartridge consists of a metal coil known as an atomizer, including metal soldiers. The coil acts as a heater that heats the oil contained in the cartridge.
Also attached to the cartridge is a battery device, typically a 510-thread lithium-ion battery. Exceptions to this are some carts and pods that require larger batteries. However, not all carts designed for threaded 510 batteries will work well with them. But in most cases they work perfectly when bought together. Meanwhile, a disposable vape comes in one piece and nothing can be detached or attached to it.
Many batteries are rechargeable and will need a simple recharge every now and then before you can vape again. Another option is a disposable cartridge attached to a disposable battery that is discarded after the battery is depleted. The constant use and improper disposal of these single-use cartridges now seems to be a cause for concern.
Human civilization is a realm of garbage producers and this shows in our streets as they pound garbage and dump bins. Despite various recycling programs, the constant use of single-use products has continued to cause major environmental problems. The air, sea and soil are now polluted and more water from the technology industry is not helping the situation.
Now imagine how helpful it would be if we didn’t dispose of batteries and cartridges as if they were nothing. This even means that batteries should not be disposed of with the usual garbage anyway.
With the increasing popularity of vaping products, disposable vape problems continue to increase. However, we now have some better alternatives on the market that are available to the general public that would help reduce the impact of poor waste management.
Disposable Vape Alternatives
One undeniable thing is that one-way carts are responsible for several problems. Since most are made of plastic and metal, these metals usually end up in the vapor oil, which is dangerous to smokers’ health.
The truth is that manufacturers will not waste many resources on cheap disposable products, which is why they are of lower quality. So, for a healthier smoking experience, it makes sense to opt for a rechargeable vape over a disposable vaporizer.
Now, several companies have taken the initiative to produce metal-free vape carts, although they don’t seem to have an established reusable model. This means they invest more to make better evaporating products, increasing production costs.
This does not solve the problem of waste management, but it is a step in the right direction. A very expensive and better product might be attached to some kind of program that makes it easier to reuse. For example, retailers could offer discounts or cashback to people who return disposable vape batteries or carts. Similar to those who return beer bottles to stores to qualify for discounts, it would work the same way with vape carts. This would allow for better waste disposal and management.
Meanwhile, refillable cartridges would be another option to consider. As long as users don’t discard cartridges, batteries don’t have to be thrown away either. This would help reduce vape waste the most.
Providing users can always return to local pharmacies to refill their shopping carts would encourage continued use of the product. This reduces costs on the part of buyers as they only pay for the oil and do not have to buy any other equipment. The initiative could also work with mail order – the oil can be mailed in a syringe, providing an easy way to fuel the cart.
By the looks of it, most disposable carts are quite difficult to refuel with new oil. Many have tried but failed. Many would certainly prefer not to have plastic taps at the rear, but still don’t want to do without the remaining oil.
If carts were designed specifically for refueling, vaping wouldn’t have caused much concern. Instead, manufacturers still prefer users to keep buying new vapes as this is the trending sales model.
What about recycling?
Carts cannot currently be recycled with other waste. Because they consist of chemical residues, which are classified as hazardous waste. The components that make up a cartridge are also non-standard, being made of both metal and plastic.
In addition, there are no recycling programs for these types of materials, meaning carts and batteries are disposed of as appropriate by users. This has consequently led to the disposal vape problem experienced today.
Conclusion
Disposable vapes have created an environmental problem, including the use of unhealthy vaping products in real time through the use of cheaper materials. Hopefully, as the industry continues to grow, better alternatives such as refill programs, cartridge return, recycling programs, and the use of quality materials will be introduced.
Remember, every time you decide to buy a cheap disposable vape, think about where it will end up. Spending a few bucks more to buy quality vaping devices saves a lot on the environment.
VAPE RECYCLING, READ MORE…
PROPER DISPOSAL OF YOUR VAPE PENS, READ THIS!
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