The Missouri Solid Waste Management District O and the Product Stewardship Institute (PSI) have launched a groundbreaking six-month pilot program to collect and responsibly dispose of vape waste in Southwest Missouri. The program, supported by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), is the first of its kind in the state and aims to address the fast-growing environmental and public health threats posed by disposable and rechargeable vape devices.
Vapes represent a complex and hazardous waste stream, combining lithium-ion batteries, toxic nicotine liquid, and non-biodegradable plastics. When discarded in the trash, these devices can spark fires in waste facilities, leak harmful chemicals like mercury, lead, and nicotine into soil and water, and release microplastics that persist indefinitely. With vape use and disposal on the rise, schools, municipalities, and waste managers across Missouri are facing mounting costs and safety risks.
鈥淭his program is about tackling an urgent and growing problem head-on,鈥� said Angie Snyder, Executive Director of District O. 鈥淚mproperly discarded vapes threaten our environment, our health, and even our schools, which are forced to divert time and resources to deal with vape waste. By piloting safe, accessible collection options, we can protect our communities and lay the groundwork for a long-term solution across Missouri.鈥�
The pilot program will establish free collection boxes at participating vape shops in Springfield and Joplin. Residents can drop off:
- Disposable and rechargeable vape devices (with or without removable batteries)
- Pods and cartridges
- E-liquid containers (sealed to prevent leaks)
THC products will not be accepted at any collection site.
Collection and processing will be managed in partnership with the Computer Recycling Center (CRC), which will ensure proper handling and reporting of the materials collected. Pilot participants will also have the opportunity to complete a short survey to share their current disposal practices and ideas for future vape waste solutions. To encourage participation, survey respondents will be entered to win gift cards.
Why Vape Waste Matters聽
- Fire Risks: Lithium-ion batteries in vapes are a leading cause of fires at waste facilities, which have increased by 77% in recent years, with more than 1,200 incidents reported annually.
- Toxic Chemicals: Nicotine residue and heavy metals like lead and mercury can leach into soil and water, contaminating ecosystems and drinking water supplies.
- Plastic Pollution: Vape casings are made of plastics that do not biodegrade, contributing to long-term pollution in landfills and public spaces.
- Youth Impact: Vape waste is increasingly littering schools and areas where young people gather, creating environmental hazards and adding to the burden on educators and administrators.
According to environmental studies, the disposable vapes sold in a single year would stretch more than 7,000 miles if lined up end to end鈥攅nough to cross the continental United States twice. The lithium used in those batteries equals roughly 23.6 tons annually, which could otherwise power about 2,600 electric vehicles.
A Model for the Future聽
Data collected during the pilot鈥攊ncluding the number and type of vapes collected and survey responses from community members鈥攚ill help District O and PSI evaluate the program鈥檚 impact and develop recommendations for sustainable, long-term solutions. These may include expanded county-wide collection systems, statewide policies, and even extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws that require manufacturers to manage the products they put on the market.
鈥淏y working directly with local retailers, waste managers, and community partners, we鈥檙e not only solving an immediate waste challenge but also building a foundation for broader policy change,鈥� said Snyder. 鈥淭his is the first step toward creating a responsible, sustainable system for vape disposal in Missouri.鈥�