Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
24 July 2024 | 10:26 a.m. SAST
2-minute read

Image: National Geographic

Vapes, e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes all pose several health risks and should be avoided.

The increasing use of e-cigarettes, or vapes, as they are commonly referred to, poses huge environmental challenges for South Africa because of incorrect disposal and its contribution to a rise in electronic waste.

According to electronic disposal experts at the recycling group Desco, 95% of disposable single-use vapes and related e-cigarette products are estimated to end up in landfills, which poses a significant risk to the environment.

“So many people are smoking these vapes that it is like an exploding waste stream, where it’s an electronic product that is bought to be used once and chucked away in maybe less than a month, or less than three months at maximum, and they are constantly going to the landfill. It is problematic,” Giulio Airaga, managing director at Desco Electronic Recyclers, told Radio Islam International.

E-cigarettes are classified as electronic waste, and while it is unlawful to dump or landfill e-waste in South Africa due to its hazardous nature, e-cigarettes are still ending up in landfills.

Airaga warns that the chemicals and batteries in e-cigarettes can cause fires and seep into groundwater if improperly disposed of, which is detrimental to the health of those in the area.

“Should you burn it or recycle it illegally, there are chemicals in it that are harmful to the environment. Particularly in the case of vapes, there are chemicals, and specifically a battery. And usually if that gets heat, it can explode, it can cause a fire, and it’s quite a toxic fire,” Airaga said.

“If people inhale the smoke, it’s very toxic to their lungs. You have a chemical inside, not only the battery, but even also the vape, if that usually seeps into the ground, it can compromise your water that is underneath there, and that has an ability to spread to neighbouring towns,” he added.

There is a need to raise awareness about the issue, as well as encourage and incentivise consumers to recycle electronic waste.

Consumers can drop off unwanted electronics at recycling bins located at Makro stores nationwide. For e-cigarettes in particular, consumers are encouraged to ask suppliers if they run a take-back scheme.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat here.