Association of Austrian Waste Management Companies Supports Ban on Disposable E-Cigarettes

The amendment to the Tobacco Act will include a ban on disposable e-cigarettes, stated State Secretary Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig. These e-cigarettes are harmful to health and burden the environment. The lithium batteries they contain can easily catch fire and should therefore be disposed of correctly. Nevertheless, around three million of these batteries end up in general waste in Austria every year, and the number is increasing.

Association of Austrian Waste Management Companies: Ban on Disposable E-Cigarettes "Signal for Health and Environmental Protection"

"A ban on disposable e-cigarettes is an important step in the right direction," emphasizes VOEB President Gabriele Jüly. "With the announced ban, State Secretary Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig is sending a strong signal for health and environmental protection." Disposable vapes have a high addiction potential and encourage young people to switch to tobacco products. Incorrectly disposed of disposable e-cigarettes waste important raw materials like lithium and cobalt, which could be recycled. In light of resource scarcity, disposable products are outdated. Belgium, France, and the United Kingdom have already banned disposable e-cigarettes; more countries are planning bans.

Lithium Batteries from Disposable E-Cigarettes as Dangerous Fire Starters

Not only disposable e-cigarettes but also other products with lithium batteries, such as flashing children's shoes or electronic toothbrushes, pose a risk if disposed of incorrectly. If these batteries end up in general waste, there is a risk of fire in trash cans and disposal facilities. The number of battery fires has increased significantly over the past ten years. A recent fire in Lienz resulted in injuries to emergency personnel. Such fires cause significant health and safety risks as well as economic damage to the waste management industry in Austria.

Association of Austrian Waste Management Companies for Cashback System for Batteries

According to the VOEB, additional steps to increase the collection rate of batteries are essential. The association proposes a nationwide cashback system as an effective incentive for returns. Such an incentive system for old batteries is already included in the current government program. Jüly emphasizes: "The federal government must consistently continue the course it has taken and create a nationwide incentive system for the collection of lithium batteries - to protect people, nature, and valuable resources."

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