--- title: Into the smoke! Vape waste - more harmful than you think description: Cigarette butts are bad for the environment, but what about the alternative e-cigarettes? How is this electronic based waste managed in South Africa image: https://blog.interwaste.co.za/hubfs/Blog%20Headers-1.png --- - [Careers](http://www.interwaste.co.za/careers) - [Customer Login](https://customer.interwaste.co.za/Home/Logon?ReturnUrl=%2f) - +27 11 323 7300 - [![linkedin-logo](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/hubfs/linkedin-in-brands-white.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/interwaste-holdings-limited/) - [![youtube-logo](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/hubfs/youtube-brands-1.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY-cwa2qzFebOvJMUX2B0BA) - [![search-loop-logo](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/Secondary%20Cricle%20Button.png?width=15&name=Secondary%20Cricle%20Button.png)](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/hs-search-results) [![new-logo-1](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/new-logo-1.png?width=200&height=46&name=new-logo-1.png "new-logo-1")](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/) ![hamburger](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/hubfs/hamburger.svg) - [Waste Solutions](http://www.interwaste.co.za/waste-solutions) - [Waste Streams](http://www.interwaste.co.za/waste-streams) - [Facilities](http://www.interwaste.co.za/facilities) - [Innovation](http://www.interwaste.co.za/innovations) - [Insights](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/know-waste) - [About](http://www.interwaste.co.za/about-us) - [Contact](http://www.interwaste.co.za/contact) [Ethics in Waste Management](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/know-waste/tag/ethics-in-waste-management) , [Sustainability](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/know-waste/tag/sustainability) , [News](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/know-waste/tag/news) # Into the smoke! Vape waste - more harmful than you think [By Kate Stubbs](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/know-waste/author/kate-stubbs) - - - ![Blog Headers-1](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Headers-1.png?width=3868&name=Blog%20Headers-1.png) So, we know smoking is harmful for us – and discarded cigarette butts are extremely bad for the environment, however, a new problem that exists is that the so-called alternative - e-cigarettes or vapes –are also having an impact on our environment.  These products use disposable vapes, pods or cartridges, e-liquid containers, packaging and vape batteries – all of which are presenting a unique and challenging position for waste managers. Let’s just take a look at the impact of the pods. These are small plastic cartridges that hold the nicotine liquid. You use it once, then throw it away. These are single-use plastic products, and we know that plastic does not biodegrade like organic materials and can take years to decompose.  Additionally, these pods can’t be recycled with other plastic waste because they contain nicotine, and other toxic chemicals, which are regarded as hazardous waste. And that’s if people don’t just throw them away, like litter, where they then become a problem for wildlife and pets, who could eat these and ingest the poisons.   Vapes or e-cigarettes are also contributing to e-waste, given their parts contain lithium-ion batteries. We know that as batteries degrade, their chemicals leach into the environment, when not disposed correctly. Furthermore, if batteries are merely placed in dustbins, they could present a fire risk if damaged or exposed to high heat.   So, with vapes we now have the challenge of increased single use plastics and an increase in electronic waste. In fact, if we consider that there are an [estimated 350 000 vapers](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-07-22-interview-sas-vaping-industry-is-going-up-in-smoke/) in South Africa – that is a lot of potential waste and a massive harmful impact on our already challenged environment.   Yes, some e-cigarette manufacturers offer recycling programs, which we applaud, with the incentive of discounted or free products for x-amount of “vapes” returned.  However, the problem that exits is that that the proper disposal of e-cigarette cartridges, requires removing the filler material, rinsing it until all nicotine is removed, and then wrapping it in biodegradable material. The cartridge itself should be similarly cleaned and sealed and then recycled as you would any other plastic waste. Will South African go to all this trouble? We can only hope so.   Environmentally, this is not a ‘healthy’ alternative. However, this market is expected to grow to [$62 million by 2024](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/south-africa-e-cigarette-market-report-2019-rising-number-of-product-launches-by-e-cigarette-manufacturers-300926086.html)and so, we foresee that this waste stream will become a crucial one for waste managers to consider – either in finding recycling and reuse alternatives through innovative solutions or finding ways to ensure safe destruction. It will also be important for this industry to be [regulated](https://www.news24.com/citypress/news/vaping-industry-cant-remain-unregulated-say-experts-20210723) more stringently, if we hope to see a change.   This will be an interesting space to watch! [All posts](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/know-waste) ###### About Author [Kate Stubbs](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/know-waste/author/kate-stubbs) Kate Stubbs is the Group Business Development and Marketing Director for Interwaste Holdings which forms part of Séché Environnement, a leading international environmental solutions business. She has held various executive positions in marketing, sales, strategy, and communication over the last 20 years, predominantly working for Supply Chain, Logistics and Waste Management companies serving a broad range of industries. Her experience has enabled her to work with diverse local and international teams and she thrives in complex, intellectually stimulating environments. Some of her successes have been in creating and building new brands, achieving growth strategies and assisting with the integration of many acquisitions. She is passionate about developing sustainable solutions for businesses that are not only economically viable, but which are socially conscious and protect the environment for future generations. Kate holds a BCom Business Management degree and has completed Leadership and Executive Development programmes through the GIBS business school. ##### You might also like ![The Era of Responsibility: Embracing Accountability for a Sustainable Future](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/hubfs/May%20Blog%20Headers.png) [The Era of Responsibility: Embracing Accountability for a Sustainable Future](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/know-waste/the-era-of-responsibility-embracing-accountability-for-a-sustainable-future) ![Accelerating South Africa’s Path to Sustainability](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/hubfs/Blog%20Headers-Mar-20-2025-10-37-24-3985-AM.png) [Accelerating South Africa’s Path to Sustainability](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/know-waste/accelerating-south-africas-path-to-sustainability) ![The Ripple Effect: How Weak Waste Practices Impact Us All](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/hubfs/D004_25%20Linkedin%20Month_March.png) [The Ripple Effect: How Weak Waste Practices Impact Us All](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/know-waste/the-ripple-effect-how-weak-waste-practices-impact-us-all) ##### SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT [![Interwaste Logo](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/hubfs/Interwaste%20Logo.svg "Interwaste Logo")](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/) Let Interwaste solve your waste management problems. ##### Quick Links - [Home](http://www.interwaste.co.za) - [Innovation](http://www.interwaste.co.za/innovations) - [News](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/know-waste) - [About Us](http://www.interwaste.co.za/about-us) ##### Solutions - [Waste Solutions](http://www.interwaste.co.za/waste-solutions) - [General Waste](https://www.interwaste.co.za/waste-streams/#general-waste) - [Hazardous Waste](https://www.interwaste.co.za/waste-streams/#waste) ##### Legal - [Disclaimer](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/hubfs/Legal/Website%20disclaimer_IWLD1.pdf) - [Privacy Policy](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/hubfs/Privacy%20Policy%20-%20%20Feb%202019.pdf?hsLang=en-za) - [PAIA Manual](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/hubfs/Legal/IWH-LS-112021-01-PAIA_PAIA%20Manual%20Update%2010%20Sept%202024.pdf) - [Anonymous Ethics Line](https://blog.interwaste.co.za/hubfs/Ethics%20line%20information%20.pdf?hsLang=en-za) - [complaints@interwaste.co.za](mailto:complaints@interwaste.co.za) ©2026. 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