Is Vaping Better for the Environment Than Smoking? Impact & Sustainability

Vaping has rapidly gained traction as a modern alternative to smoking, but with its rise comes important questions about its environmental footprint. According to Public Health England, we know that vaping is at least 95% less harmful to humans than smoking, but, the question remains: "Is vaping bad for the environment?" To answer this, we need to explore its impacts and the sustainability measures being adopted to mitigate them.

Vaping’s Environmental Impact: Plastic Waste

Vaping primarily contributes to environmental issues through e-waste, plastic pollution, and chemical waste. Just like with many other devices in our lives, disposable e-cigarettes add to electronic waste due to their non-biodegradable components such as lithium-ion batteries, plastic casings, and circuit boards.

It probably comes as no surprise that e-cigarette waste also contributes to pollution and highlights the need for proper disposal methods. These items often end up in landfills, potentially leaking hazardous chemicals into soil and water.

Single-use plastic pods and tanks further exacerbate plastic waste, taking hundreds of years to degrade if improperly discarded, and this is one of the major catalysts for the UK's 2025 ban on disposable vapes.

As you might imagine, these factors have environmental advocates worried, but how much should the average person be concerned, or take action into their own hands?

Is Vaping Better for the Environment Than Smoking?

When comparing vaping to smoking, the environmental impacts differ in scope and scale. On the positive side, vaping eliminates cigarette butts, which are among the most littered items worldwide. Traditional cigarette filters are non-biodegradable and can take years to break down, making them a persistent environmental nuisance.

Unlike cigarettes, vaping avoids the production of toxic ash or harmful smoke emissions, further reducing its impact. However, vaping introduces new challenges, such as e-waste from disposable devices and the need to recycle batteries and components properly. Vape-related waste, particularly from lithium-ion batteries, can persist much longer in landfills than cigarette butts.

Ultimately, although vaping does avoid some of the immediate harms caused by smoking, its overall impact depends on how devices and materials are manufactured, used, and discarded.

Does Vaping Pollute the Air?

Vape emissions, while less harmful than cigarette smoke, still contribute to air pollution in a different way. Vapour from e-cigarettes contains ultrafine particles, nicotine, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can affect indoor air quality. On a larger scale, you can puff a little easier knowing that vaping emissions are unlikely to significantly affect outdoor environments compared to smoking.

Sustainable Vaping Options: Alternatives to Disposable Vapes

Fortunately, the vaping industry is making strides towards more sustainable practices, offering users greener options to minimise their environmental impact. Effective waste management is crucial in sustainable vaping practices, as it ensures the proper disposal and recycling of hazardous materials found in e-cigarettes and vaping products.

Refillable and rechargeable devices have become increasingly popular, as they last longer and reduce the need for disposable plastics. Durable devices also minimise waste by reducing the frequency of replacements. Some manufacturers are taking responsibility for waste by offering take-back and recycling programmes for cartridges, pods, and batteries, helping to ensure these materials are properly processed and reused.

Consumers can also seek out e-liquids and refillable vape kits that avoid disposable pods and minimise packaging waste. Innovations in materials, such as hemp-based plastics and fully recyclable components, are also helping to redefine the industry’s approach to sustainability.

Key Steps to Reduce Vaping’s Environmental Impact: Managing Hazardous Waste

Reducing vaping’s impact on the environment starts with making conscious choices as a consumer.

Improper disposal of vape products can lead to severe risks for wildlife, as animals may ingest harmful nicotine and chemicals. Proper disposal is crucial: Used vape devices, cartridges, and batteries should always be taken to designated e-waste recycling facilities to prevent harmful substances from entering landfills.

Check the UK's Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs for an alphabetical list of designated collection facilities.

As mentioned, choosing reusable devices over disposables is another effective way to cut down on waste, as they are more cost-effective and sustainable in the long run. Educating oneself about the environmental consequences of vaping can also help users make more responsible choices, such as supporting brands that prioritise eco-conscious practices.

But, it's important to remember that the burden to reduce waste and consume wisely isn't entirely on you, the consumer! Industry innovation is playing a key role, too, with many companies developing biodegradable and recyclable materials for vaping products. By supporting these developments, consumers can encourage further progress toward a more sustainable vaping culture.

Finally, think of it this way: If you've ever traded your old iPhone back to Apple for an upgrade, or donated clothes to a local charity shop, then you already know something about responsible recycling, so recycling an old vape doesn't present too great of a challenge.

Vaping Sustainably for a Better Future

Vaping presents unique environmental challenges, from e-waste and plastic pollution to chemical and carbon emissions. However, it also offers opportunities for improvement and sustainability through the use of reusable devices, recycling programmes, and eco-friendly product innovations.

By making informed choices, consumers can reduce their environmental footprint while enjoying the benefits of vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking. As the industry evolves, the responsibility lies with both consumers and manufacturers to prioritise sustainability.

Ready to take action? Explore sustainable vaping options today and be part of the movement towards a greener future with FREESMO.