This article is absolutely not intended to encourage or promote the use of tobacco products. As the author, I’m shocked that disposable vapes are a thing at all so this is about education. Smoking any tobacco product increases the risk of lung cancer and using a vape makes you look really uncool.
You’re allowed to hold an opinion on things. You might think vaping is silly, you might think it’s cool. But I would like to think we can all agree that the sale of disposable vapes in Ireland is a shocking development.
What are disposable vapes?
Vaping is when someone uses a special kind of device called a vape to breathe in a vapour that contains a special liquid called e-juice. Disposable vapes are electronic cigarettes that are pre-filled with e-liquid. They are designed to be used for a limited amount of time before they are discarded.
They are called “disposable” because they are not meant to be refilled or recharged. When vapes first came onto the market, they were rechargeable and refillable. They were designed to be bought and reused. Vaping, the relatively modern alternative to smoking now has a very recent disposable alternative too.
These are designed to be thrown away after the e-liquid has been used up. Disposable vapes are typically small, lightweight, and easy to use, making them a popular choice for people who are new to vaping or who want a convenient way to vape on the go. They are available in a variety of flavours and nicotine strengths. They’re also often significantly cheaper up-front than rechargeable vapes.
How are disposable vapes constructed?
Disposable vapes are typically made up of a battery, heating element, and e-liquid chamber, all packaged into a single unit. The exact manufacturing process can vary depending on the specific brand and model of disposable vape.
Some disposable vapes are made using injection molding, while others may be assembled by hand. In general, the goal of the manufacturing process is to create a convenient and easy-to-use device that allows the user to inhale vaporized e-liquid.
The reason for this article is the vape’s battery. Typically, you’ll find lithium-ion batteries inside a disposable vape. The battery in a disposable vape is typically not rechargeable and is designed to last for a certain number of puffs before it runs out of power and the device becomes unusable.
This leads to the biggest issue that disposable vapes bring; electronic waste.
Disposing of disposable vapes
The actual lifespan of a disposable vape will vary depending on a number of factors. For example, what size is the vape, the type and strength of the e-liquid it contains, and how often it is used.
On average, a disposable vape will last for a few hundred puffs before the battery runs out and the device becomes unusable. Some disposable vapes may last for a few days or more, while others may only last for a few hours of continuous use. It’s important to read the packaging or instructions that come with the disposable vape to get an idea of how long it is intended to last.
When the vape is finished, you shouldn’t simply throw it in the bin. Nor should you chuck it on the street. I live in Dublin, and I can tell you people need to hear that.
Should you remove the vape battery?
No. Jesus no. Just no.
Lithium-ion batteries do not like being pierced. Taking apart your disposable vape would lead to a fairly decent chance you’d puncture the battery. And then this would happen.
Bring it to a WEEE dropoff point
The simplest thing to do is get your vape to a WEEE dropoff point. That thing you’re sucking on is an electronic device. Anything with a plug or battery falls under the umbrella of products that WEEE applies to.
By bringing your old disposable vapes to a WEEE point or centre, you’re once again looking slightly cooler by reducing the amount of electronic waste ending up in the wrong place. You know, the street or general landfill.
Just make sure it’s totally dead before sorting it out.
