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Author: Michael Bologna, CEO of Dip Devices
Numerous studies show that today’s consumers are more concerned than ever about the sustainability of the products they buy and the social responsibility of the companies they support. Environmental and social concerns are inherently tied, so it makes sense that these dual issues are on consumers’ minds.1 2
One of the most pressing — and ignored — sustainability issues in the cannabis industry is that of single-use vapes. In early July 2024, California made history by passing the country’s first law regulating the responsible disposal of single-use vapes containing lithium-ion batteries.
While running a company that makes durable, multi-year use cannabis vaporizers, this issue has been at the forefront of my mind for years. California is taking the first step toward a more environmentally friendly and socially responsible cannabis industry with its law mandating responsible labeling and disposal of single-use lithium-ion vapes; what can the rest of the cannabis industry do to help?
The Problem with Lithium-Ion Battery Vapes
Most single-use cannabis vapes labeled as “disposable” contain lithium-ion batteries: a type of compact, long-lasting battery that the Environmental Protection Agency considers to be toxic waste. Lithium-ion batteries can explode or catch fire when exposed to environmental stressors, a fact that is underscored by the recent rise in fires and explosions in waste management facilities.
The dangers of lithium-ion batteries don’t end there. Even if they make it to a landfill without exploding, they leach harmful chemicals into the environment.
In addition to the batteries, single-use vapes are encased in single-use plastic, which breaks down into potentially harmful chemicals and dangerous microplastics. Increasingly, these disposables are including large LCD screens that join the batteries and bodies in the landfill after a very short useful life.
A Lack of Education and Infrastructure Worsens the Problem
Because they are usually labeled “disposable,” few of our consumers realize the harm they do when throwing used vapes in the trash. They don’t realize they need specialized recycling services to dispose of these products safely.
Have you ever tried to take apart a throwaway vape? The construction of single-use vapes makes responsible disposal even more difficult. They are typically a single piece of plastic and aren’t meant to be disassembled at any point. Each vape must be carefully broken open to dispose of its batteries — an expensive and time-consuming process. Unfortunately, recycling programs equipped to handle disposable vapes are only available in some of our communities.
Though there are ways to safely dispose of lithium-ion battery vapes, when consumers don’t know they need to do so and don’t have access to the necessary infrastructure, the problem only worsens.
Solutions to Mitigate the Dangers of Lithium-Ion Battery Disposable Vapes
Despite the challenges, I don’t believe we’re doomed to an ever-increasing glut of flammable, empty single-use vapes. There are steps that the cannabis industry can take to address this problem and embrace a more sustainable future.
Emphasize Consumer Education
One of the first steps to addressing the issue of “disposable” vapes is through consumer education. We need to change the way that we advertise single-use vapes; California has already addressed this in its recent law and banned vape producers from using words like “disposable” in their advertising. We can display information in our stores and websites and even include information about lithium-ion battery disposal in budtender training.
Push for Recycling Reform
Luckily, I know the cannabis industry is well-versed in changing laws to become more socially responsible. We can push our federal, state, and local lawmakers to adopt policies similar to California’s regulation on single-use vapes.
Beyond vape-specific legislation, we can also push for more comprehensive waste management reform that makes it easier for consumers to recycle all products.
Lead the Way With In-Store Recycling Programs
Even though local recycling infrastructure lags, our companies can still make a difference. We can collect consumers’ used vapes and transport them in bulk to one of several organizations that accept lithium-ion vapes for recycling from anywhere in the country.
Providing our customers with an easy, accessible way to safely dispose of their single-use vapes will go a long way toward keeping them out of landfills and the environment.
Promote Reusable Vape Options
Though encouraging consumers to dispose of their used vapes responsibly and pushing to make the infrastructure for them to do so more accessible will make a difference, we can create the most change by promoting and stocking alternatives to disposable vapes to keep single-use vapes out of circulation in the first place.
There are countless reusable cannabis vapes on the market, including my own innovative dab pen company, which emphasizes your right to customize, upgrade and repair your vape affordably. Though they are slightly less convenient than single-use vapes, reusables are cheaper in the long run and provide a safer, higher-quality vaping experience. Customers must be informed about the true cost of their disposable vapes and the other options available to make the switch.
Reusable Product Demand Marks a Shift Toward Sustainability
The mindset shift from a preference for disposable vapes to reusable ones is a major one, but we’re seeing consumer demand for reusable products rise in several industries. With the advent of California’s new law limiting single-use vapes, it’s an excellent time for reusable vape manufacturers to step up their marketing efforts.
I believe that the cannabis industry can surmount the challenges presented by single-use vapes and the difficulties of disposing of them, and I look forward to seeing more and more companies adopt sustainable, socially responsible practices.
