As you take one last deep drag from your vape pen, you can feel the cartridge hitting bottom, and then you know it is time to let go. You swiftly switch to a new cartridge and throw the old buddy away with a moment of sweet farewell smile for all the excellent times you enjoyed with its company. But has this ever occurred to you as to what happens to these cartridges? Well, in most cases, they end up in large garbage collecting areas mixed with a variety of other items and end up in landfills as e-waste.
Vape sales have shot above expectations in the past few years, and the trends show similar growth graphs for the future. But the convenient cartridges that carry the most desired concentrate vape juices are quickly becoming an increasing problem. These cartridges and device batteries are becoming a threat to the environment and human health, predominantly due to bad disposal practices.
As a responsible vape owner, it is essential to understand and practice safe vape cartridge disposals to ensure the safety and health of the public. Here are a few ways to throw away your cartridges without harming the earth.
The Cartridge Conundrum
Vape cartridges are easy and convenient to enjoy drool-worthy flavors and powerful compounds. Oil cartridges have become the favorite choice for many across the globe, given their ease of use and unparalleled effects even compared to dry herb vaporizers. The trend is quite common among infused vape juices, where users utilize cannabinoids like delta 8 to achieve certain benefits. You can yourself search for “Delta 8 cartridge available online” to learn more about delta 8 disposable vapes in detail and to understand how these vape juices benefit users.
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While refillable tanks offer the liberty to work with many vape juices, many prefer disposable ones. These cartridges are flexible to use for as long as you enjoy the benefits without committing to complex devices or significant investments. They are also easy to dispose of when you want to move to other flavors. But the cartridges, at the end of their lifetime, end up as e-waste, polluting the environment. It might leave one to wonder, why can’t these cartridges be recycled after use like several other items?
The simple answer is that the process is not as easy and familiar. Vape cartridges involve several different materials that are present in minuscule concentrations. Hence breaking it down for recycling would also involve complex processes that may not be compatible with traditional facilities and the existing resources. Also, the abundance of cartridges in the market makes buying a replacement quick and cost-effective. Offerings for recycling services specific to cartridges may not be practical yet, given the replacement trend interferes with the quantum of cartridges available to create a sustainable business. Read More: Webtoons xyz
Well, what about collecting empty cartridges? The transition into legal markets in different states required regulations that condemn the resale of empty cartridges. The intention is to reduce the risk of misuse of trace products leftover in the cartridges, such as oils, for sale in black markets.
So, what exactly can we do with the cartridge? Let us discuss some sustainable ways of disposing of cartridges here that you can follow.
Discuss With Your State Environmental Agencies
The first step is to understand if these agencies have policies or processes for handling cartridges. You can reach out to your local representative to receive guidance on the best disposal techniques for vape cartridges. If your state does not have existing policies, initiating the conversation can help bring one into place with time. Getting recycling facilities to different areas through necessary efforts can impact the environment positively.
Do Not Rinse Them
One of the most common mistakes by vapers is rinsing empty cartridges to eliminate the residues. Some believe that this step could help dispose of the module safely. But remember that the water used for cleaning will now become hazardous waste and require particular disposal and treatment. The nicotine in the water could cause harm to the skin and overall health.
Take Them to Household Hazardous Waste Facility
Handle prefilled cartridges containing nicotine with extra care. Disposing of them in your regular trash cans may not be the right way to go. The presence of nicotine makes it hazardous waste, and the trace of the compound on the cartridge could increase the risk of accidents if mishandled.
Consult your local household hazardous waste center and plan a trip once every few months to gather and dispose of the cartridges here. Ensure to store these cartridges in a safe place out of the reach of children as ingestion or exposure to skin can cause harmful side effects.
If your vape juice contains other derivatives or juice types, you might as well place them in the trash as the hazardous waste center may not accept these cartridges.
Try Refillable Modules
Modules with juice tanks typically only require you to invest in buying e-liquids. You can simply add them to the device and vape away as long as it is in good shape. While the device also becomes obsolete and unusable eventually, the number of disposable cartridges you might need to dispose of will significantly decrease. Of course, these modules require a little more effort, such as regular maintenance and stocking up on juices. But these efforts are worthy, for it means fewer empty cartridges piling up in landfills.
Explore Cartridges Made With Environmentally Friendly Materials
If you are planning to buy disposable cartridges, choosing brands that utilize sustainable materials can be an excellent choice to reduce the impact of the waste. There are not many laws in place that discourage the sale of one-time-use cartridges. But several brands embody sustainability in their practices and hence offer product options that are consistent with the morals of their brand.
Some companies utilize eco-friendly alternatives to common cartridge materials like plastic using hemp, glass, bamboo, or ceramic to offer safe options to users. You can explore these products and switch to them to continue to enjoy guilt-free vaping.
Educate Yourself About The Cartridge
Understanding what goes into making your cartridges can be helpful while you explore options for disposing of them safely. Break down each ingredient and evaluate its nature. Some might be hazardous waste, and some may require unique processes. The more you understand your cartridge, the better the search for safe disposal options.
Conclusion
Vape cartridges are fast piling up in landfills, causing a severe impact on the environment and human health. Vaper should understand, practice, and preach safe techniques for cartridge waste disposal to reduce the effect. Keep these tips in mind while throwing your cartridges away to ensure you dispose of them safely.
