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Disposable Vapes Ignite Waste Crisis: Batteries Spark Landfill Fires
5 Oct
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.
The primary issue lies with the lithium batteries found in disposable vapes. These batteries can be highly flammable when damaged or overheated, and if carelessly discarded, they can ignite fires in garbage trucks or landfills, as explained by the Fire and Rescue Department director-general, Nor Hisham Mohammad. This poses a serious threat to local communities, as the resulting toxic smoke clouds and landfill fires can have devastating consequences.
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Beyond the fire hazard, the growing problem of vape litter is also causing problems. Discarded vapes can lead to flat tires and potentially harm wildlife, further exacerbating the environmental impact of this issue.
The global scale of the disposable vape crisis is also concerning. Studies have found that young vapers are more likely to start smoking traditional cigarettes, and vaping has been linked to various health issues, including addiction, respiratory problems, and lung injury. In response, at least 121 countries around the world have implemented vape regulations, with 33 countries attempting to ban their sale.
As the world grapples with the consequences of this growing waste problem, some vape companies have launched take-back programs for recycling old devices. Advocates are also calling for extended producer responsibility laws, which would require manufacturers and retailers to cover the costs of proper disposal. However, the challenge remains in ensuring that all hazardous components are handled safely and responsibly.
