Smoking devices have captured a large share of the market with countless models. Vapourisers, vapes, e-cigs, but above all disposable cigarettes. In this context, however, no one has thought of building a system for collecting and recycling these devices.
A total of 844 million electronic cigarettes are thrown away each year, with copper wires and lithium ion batteries inside them going to waste. In particular, the amount of lithium lost would be enough to produce batteries for 5,000 electric cars. The problem, however, is that these objects also contain hazardous materials such as lead and mercury that could come out of landfills and contaminate soil and water.
The problem is becoming more and more topical, especially for disposable cigarettes, which cost little and last only a few days before ending up in the junk drawer.
In the US, Americans throw away more than 4 per second, while in Europe, the European Commission has no plans to take action against disposable electronic cigarettes any time soon.
In this context an example of regulation comes from New Zealand. New rules to protect young people include a lower nicotine level in vaping, very generic essence names and a ban on opening e-cigarette shops near schools.
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