Singapore Installs E-cigarette Disposal Bins to Prevent Etomidate Abuse

Jul.29.2025
Singapore Installs E-cigarette Disposal Bins to Prevent Etomidate Abuse
Singapore launched the “Bin the Vape” program with 24 secure bins to prevent misuse of e-cigarettes possibly containing etomidate. With the drug soon classified as Class C, stricter penalties include rehab for users, jail for repeat offenders, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for sellers.

Key points: 

 

·The Singapore Health Sciences Authority emphasizes that e-cigarettes may contain illegal or regulated substances. 

 

·23 locations have set up bins to ensure the safe disposal of e-cigarettes. 

 

·The government plans to categorize nicotine as a Class C controlled drug and regulate it strictly. 

 

·The Singapore Health Sciences Authority has partnered with the People's Association to launch the "Bin the Vape" campaign, encouraging individuals to voluntarily dispose of their e-cigarettes.

 


 

【2Firsts News Flash】According to a report by Lianhe Zaobao on July 27, the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore is collaborating with the People's Association to launch the "Bin the Vape" program, aimed at encouraging the safe disposal of e-cigarettes and their accessories. Under this program, authorities have placed e-cigarette disposal bins at 23 community clubs across the island, as well as at one residents' contact point center, for the public to anonymously and safely discard e-cigarettes.

 

The Department of Health Sciences responded to media inquiries by stating that some e-cigarettes may contain illegal or regulated substances such as etomidate. The establishment of recycling bins can effectively prevent these substances from being abused or illegally reused.

 

In response to questions about why 24 specific locations were chosen for setting up recycling bins, the Department of Health Sciences explained that these locations were selected based on their convenience and existing facility conditions, rather than the prevalence of e-cigarette users in those areas. In order to make it easier for e-cigarette users to dispose of their devices, these recycling bins will continue to be used at the current locations until further notice.

 

In order to ensure safety and confidentiality, authorities have locked and secured recycling bins in a safe location to prevent damage or theft. The discarded items are safely emptied and sent to an incinerator for destruction on a regular basis. If a recycling bin is found to have been damaged or stolen, the case will be handed over to the police for further investigation.

 

With the expectation that ecstasy will be reclassified as a Class C drug, the government is planning to impose stricter legal controls on it. According to the Misuse of Drugs Act, users will be subject to mandatory supervision and rehabilitation treatment, with repeat offenders facing at least one year in prison. Sellers, distributors, or importers could face up to 20 years in prison and whipping as the maximum punishment.

 

Relying on propofol as a clinical anesthetic, its use must adhere to strict medical standards. However, its non-medical use in e-cigarettes may lead to serious health risks. Prolonged use can not only be addictive, but also cause severe side effects such as involuntary muscle twitching and confusion. Therefore, the Health Science Bureau urges the public to dispose of e-cigarette devices responsibly and safely by using designated recycling bins.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

The new regulations on nicotine in Argentina are creating caution, expectations, and doubts about the market, according to a local reference in harm reduction for smoking.
The new regulations on nicotine in Argentina are creating caution, expectations, and doubts about the market, according to a local reference in harm reduction for smoking.
The new Argentine framework for tobacco and nicotine marks a shift from prohibition towards registration, traceability, and health surveillance. Juan Facundo Teme told 2Firsts that adult consumers and some of the commercial sector are cautiously optimistic, although concerns remain about flavors, registration costs, and market access.
May.11
Multi-State Coalition Urges F1 to End Nicotine Sponsorships, Citing Zyn and Velo
Multi-State Coalition Urges F1 to End Nicotine Sponsorships, Citing Zyn and Velo
Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez is co-leading a coalition of 19 states and jurisdictions urging the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 to end sponsorships involving tobacco and nicotine products, including nicotine pouch brands such as Zyn and Velo.
News
Jun.09
Canada Studies UK-Style “Smoke-Free Generation” Tobacco Ban
Canada Studies UK-Style “Smoke-Free Generation” Tobacco Ban
Canada’s federal health minister, Majorie Michel, said she is looking into legislation that would permanently ban the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after 2008. She said Canada has seen the approach recently proposed in the United Kingdom and is reviewing it with partners. Health Canada previously said the Government of Canada has invested C$66 million annually since 2018 to help Canadians quit smoking and reduce the harms of nicotine addiction.
Apr.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI’s Smoke-Free Business Accounts for 43% of Net Revenues in Q1 as Full-Year EPS Guidance Rises
PMI’s Smoke-Free Business Accounts for 43% of Net Revenues in Q1 as Full-Year EPS Guidance Rises
On April 22, 2026, Philip Morris International released its first-quarter 2026 results. The report showed net revenues of $10.146 billion, up 9.1% year on year; adjusted diluted EPS of $1.96, up 16.0%; and smoke-free products accounting for 43% of total net revenues. Based on first-quarter performance, the company raised its 2026 full-year adjusted diluted EPS forecast to $8.36 to $8.51, or $8.11 to $8.26 excluding currency.
Apr.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Vapesourcing Lists RELX Creator Pro 15K as “Coming Soon,” Shows U.S. Warehouse Shipping Options
Vapesourcing Lists RELX Creator Pro 15K as “Coming Soon,” Shows U.S. Warehouse Shipping Options
2Firsts found that U.S.-facing and cross-border vape retailer Vapesourcing has created a product page for the “RELX Creator Pro 15K Disposable Vape Kit 3%,” marked as “Coming Soon.” The page lists U.S. warehouse shipping options, but does not show that the product is currently available for purchase.
Market
Jun.08
Ispire Reports Fiscal Q3 2026 Revenue of $18.7 Million and Net Loss of $9.5 Million
Ispire Reports Fiscal Q3 2026 Revenue of $18.7 Million and Net Loss of $9.5 Million
Ispire Technology reported financial results on May 7, 2026, for the third quarter of fiscal 2026, covering the three months ended March 31, 2026. Revenue was $18.7 million, compared with $26.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 and $20.3 million in the prior quarter. Gross profit was $2.0 million, with gross margin of 10.7%. Net loss was $9.5 million, or $0.17 per share. The company said it held $18.0 million in cash as of March 31, 2026, up $468,000 sequentially.
May.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai