Trim Tidy Towns Calls for Ban on Disposable E-Cigarettes

According to Meath Chronicle on October 5th, the Irish small town of Trim Tidy Towns has recently called for a ban on the use of disposable e-cigarettes. Environmental group Clean Coasts has reported that 1.3 million disposable e-cigarettes are discarded in Ireland each week, many of which contain non-biodegradable materials.

Brian Heffernan, the chairperson of environmental organization Clean Coasts, has expressed concern over the growing presence of disposable e-cigarettes in our cities. Heffernan highlights that these disposable e-cigarettes are frequently found in parking lots, playgrounds, and areas popular among young people. This issue requires daily attention from volunteers who are tasked with managing the disposal of these e-cigarettes.

The recently established environmental organization 'Sick of Plastic Trim' is also addressing this issue by raising awareness about the environmental hazards of disposable plastic waste and calling for its reduction. Michael Breen, the organization's chairman, stated, "We welcome the government's recent ban on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes to children and believe this prohibition should be expanded.

British film director David Lean once said: "These devices are often immediately discarded after use, and they contain not only nicotine and plastic, but also lithium and battery acid. Lithium is used in the production of electric vehicle batteries and other products, so throwing them away directly is a waste. Disposable e-cigarettes have become a nightmare for local governments and city management groups. These e-cigarettes are difficult to recycle and should be banned. People can choose to use reusable e-cigarettes."

According to data from Clean Coasts, 1.3 million disposable e-cigarettes are discarded each week in Ireland, resulting in a total of 10 tons of lithium waste annually. Clean Coasts is recommending that all users properly recycle e-cigarettes and their batteries, and refrain from dumping them in household garbage bins. "You can conveniently dispose of these devices for free in the blue battery boxes provided by WEEE Ireland, which can be found at most retail stores or your local public facility site."