Overview
Approximately 4 vapes are discarded EVERY SECOND in the United States alone. Single-use disposable vapes are far and away the most popular form of electronic cigarettes. These products are essentially non-recyclable and contribute to massive amounts of plastic pollution, toxic waste, and the depletion of natural resources, affecting water, soil, air, and local wildlife. They represent a fire risk due to the lithium batteries, which are created with precious metals mined in parts of the world using often exploitative labor practices and even child labor.
These environmental burdens often fall heaviest on vulnerable communities, including urban neighborhoods and those near waste disposal sites, creating both ecological and public health risks. Addressing these issues requires more than awareness — it requires systemic solutions, education, and community involvement.
ATVFC has collaborated with schools, community organizations, and local agencies to create educational materials and programs that raise awareness about the environmental impacts of tobacco and vape products. Through campaigns, events, and community engagement, ATVFC works to inform residents and organizations about the harms of vape and tobacco waste and the importance of safer disposal, recycling, and sustainable practices.
What Are We Doing
Vape Waste Education Campaign
The Vape Less, Care More Campaign is aimed at understanding youth perspectives on vaping while exposing the environmental harm and labor exploitation tied to vape production, in hopes that this message will resonate better than previous quit campaigns.
Vape Waste Lunch n’ Learn
This meeting provided an overview of the environmental harms of vape waste, and paired with attendees to come up with various potential solutions for vape and lithium-ion battery recycling and prevention.
Little Justice Leaders
A collaboration between Latino Connection and Little Justice Leaders, we created a fun and educational tool for kids to learn about the consequences of vaping on ourselves and the environment.
Program Highlights
Meeting with Fire Chief
This meeting aimed to create less waste and protect the environment. We discussed vape waste, vape hazards, and a Vape Recycling Bin pilot test at their Fire Department location.
Following this, the team met with Kelly Megonnel, Director of Dauphin County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling, to further address this initiative. We also met with Pete Previte and Bob Bylone from Penn State Recycling Harrisburg, Recycling Markets Center to further discuss vape/lithium-ion battery recycling.