Indian River County will kick off a public awareness campaign on October 1st, urging residents and retailers to dispose of vape pens responsibly, thereby preventing them from polluting waste and recycling streams.
This program, spearheaded by the Solid Waste Disposal District (SWDD), aims to educate residents and retailers on the proper disposal methods for these devices, keeping them out of landfills and reducing fire risks.
“These pens contain lithium-ion batteries known to explode and cause fires when compressed in hauling vehicles or buried in the landfill,” said Himanshu Mehta, Managing Director, Solid Waste Disposal District (SWDD).
This program provides a safe and responsible way to dispose of these devices, protecting our communities and the environment.
The EPA reported 245 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in landfills and hauling trucks between 2013 and 2020. Despite offering various options for the proper disposal of other rechargeable batteries, Indian River County currently lacks a viable solution for vape pen batteries.
Moreover, these pens often contain hazardous substances like nicotine and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which must be separated before proper disposal or recycling. This complex composition poses significant challenges for waste management.
The SWDD has partnered with local schools, law enforcement, fire departments, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and GAIACA Waste Revitalization, a sustainability leader in hazardous materials disposal.
Residents and retailers can now safely dispose of their vape pens at any of the Five Customer Convenience Centers, the Main County Landfill, or participating retail locations. Specific information on these locations is available at www.indianriver.gov.
The Vape Pen Collection Program offers several benefits:
- Reduced fire risk: Safe disposal eliminates the potential for lithium-ion battery fires in landfills and hauling trucks.
- Environmental protection: Proper disposal prevents harmful materials like nicotine and THC from contaminating waste streams.
- Increased awareness: Educational outreach informs residents and retailers about the importance of safe vape pen disposal.
Vape pen usage has skyrocketed, with use increasing by over 1,000% between 2019 and 2020. This program will be crucial as the demand for lithium-ion batteries is projected to increase fivefold by 2030.
This program offers residents a practical solution for responsible vape pen disposal and educational initiatives to foster greater awareness. For more information, please contact Sue Flak at 772-226-3206.