According to the FDA, E-cigarettes, including rechargeable batteries and cartridges and bottles containing e-liquids (liquid nicotine mixtures), can threaten human health and the environment if they are not disposed of properly. Therefore, E-cigarette and e-liquid waste should not be thrown in the regular trash or flushed down a sink. Instead, these items should be taken safely to a hazardous waste facility. The following are best practices and information compiled from state departments of health and public health nonprofit organizations. In addition, here are five essential safety tips to keep in mind when dealing with vaping liquids.
- Safe storage: If you have young children, you can (and should) be extra cautious regarding how and where you store your additional vaping supplies. E-liquid should be stored in high, out-of-reach cupboards or locked boxes, as this prevents children and toddlers from accessing a bottle. Pure nicotine and e-liquid are also flammable. Furthermore, because pure nicotine and e-liquid are volatile, they should be kept in a dark, cool place away from heat and flame. It also lasts longer as a result of this.
- Child-Proof Caps: When possible, parents with young children should use child-proof caps. While child-proof caps aren’t impregnable, they do slow down children.
- Cleaning Spills: If you don’t have a pre-filled cartridge and must manually refill your e-cigarette, keep in mind that nicotine can be absorbed via your skin. Although most e-liquid bottles include a dripper tip to avoid spills, you should still be cautious. Any spills should be cleaned up immediately, and any exposed skin or clothing should be washed.
- Speak With Your Children: If your children are older, you might want to sit them down and talk to them about staying away from all unsafe things in your household. Make sure they understand that e-liquid is not a tasty pleasure and should be avoided.
- Proper Disposal: Lastly, do not pour e-liquid down a drain. If you need to dispose of e-liquid (say because it’s gone bad), empty the fluid into absorbent kitty litter in a sealable plastic bag and throw it in the trash. This keeps the nicotine out of the groundwater and makes it difficult for a dog, child, or dumpster diver to get sick on the e-liquid.
For more information on safe disposal of e-cigarettes and e-liquid waste, please visit this page on FDA website.
