57 Disposable E-Cigarettes Cause Sewer Blockage in Durham County

Sep.04.2024

57 disposable e-cigarettes causing a major blockage in a UK sewer system, prompting a warning from Northumbrian Water.

According to The Northern Echo's report on September 3rd, in August, sewage treatment workers in the western part of County Durham, UK, discovered 57 disposable e-cigarette cartridges stuck in the pipes after receiving reports of a sewer blockage. Some of the products were marked with "HAYATI".

Northumbrian Water Company stated that the e-cigarettes were being squeezed together, causing severe blockages. Subsequently, staff cleared the e-cigarettes, restoring normal flow in the pipes.

57 disposable e-cigarettes were confiscated by staff members. | Image source: Northumbrian Water

Authorities have reminded e-cigarette users to properly dispose of their used e-cigarettes and not to throw them into the sewer or toilet, warning that e-cigarettes could potentially explode in the sewer system.

The company employee Simon Cyhanko stated,

Our team has discovered all kinds of things in the sewer, but this is the first time we have seen an e-cigarette of such magnitude.

E-cigarettes not only have the potential to cause blockages, but they can also become explosive devices. Fortunately, with the efforts of our team, the blockage was quickly and safely cleared this time without causing any environmental impact. We are working diligently to identify and educate those responsible for littering e-cigarettes.

References:

[1] Disposable vapes found blocking Darlington sewage pipe

Also Read:

[1] Illegal Cigarettes and E-cigarettes Seized in Hertfordshire Store

[2] Five Stores in Newcastle, England Facing Prosecution for Selling Tobacco and E-Cigarettes to Minors

[3] Thousands of Illegal Cigarettes and E-cigarettes Seized in England

[4] Authorities in England crack down on counterfeit e-cigarette and tobacco.

[5] Illegal E-cigarette and Counterfeit Cigarettes Seized in Worcester Store

[6] Warning Issued by UK Utility Companies Over E-Cigarette Blockages

[7] Over 250k Worth of Illegal Tobacco Seized in Walsall

#Europe #United Kingdom #Disposable e-cigarettes #Regulation

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