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Disposable Vapes Ignite Waste Crisis: Batteries Spark Landfill Fires
5 Oct, 2025
Summary
- Disposable vapes contain hazardous batteries that can cause fires in landfills
- Over 1.4 million adults and hundreds of thousands of minors use disposable vapes in Malaysia
- Vape litter leads to flat tires and harms wildlife
As of 2025-10-05T18:25:07+00:00, disposable vapes have emerged as one of the most troubling forms of waste, posing significant environmental and safety risks. These devices, which contain nicotine residue, plastic, and flammable batteries, have become a growing concern, particularly in Malaysia.
Recent data reveals that in Malaysia, more than 1.4 million adults and hundreds of thousands of minors currently use disposable vapes. A 2023 study found that hazardous household waste, including vape pods and small batteries, made up over 1% of the content in Malaysian landfills. While this may seem like a small percentage, the risks associated with these items are anything but negligible.
