Disposable vape pens pose environmental threat, fire risk

BOULDER COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — While most people know about the health risks related to vaping and e-cigarette use, many may not know about the risks to the environment. 

Single-use vape pens are marketed as disposable, but that’s only true if you do it properly. Some of them come with instructions inside the box, but they are written on tiny pieces of paper with very fine print, which is likely not being read and can ultimately lead to dangerous situations.  

It’s the lithium-ion batteries inside vape pens that can cause serious fires like trash truck fires or fires at recycling facilities. Trash truck drivers are forced to dump their loads if they catch fire to avoid a more dangerous situation. 

When it comes to e-cigarettes, Truth Initiative said the waste is potentially a more serious environmental threat than cigarette butts since e-cigarettes introduce plastic, n...