Disposal Deficiency: Single-Use Battery-Powered Smoking Devices

There exists a critical issue in the disposal process for single-use battery-operated smoking devices, including cannabinoid and tobacco products in Monterey County, which pose significant social and health ramifications. The County of Monterey Health Department’s Tobacco Prevention Program aims to educate youth and adults and support cessation services. This project focuses on spreading awareness through educational media about the proper disposal of single-use battery-operated smoking devices, with the long-term aspiration of developing a comprehensive disposal process to reduce environmental contamination and encourage healthier habits. Initial findings revealed that many users are unaware that vapes and similar devices cannot be disposed of in regular trash bins. While data collection was limited within this capstone timeline, the project aims to inform the public about available disposal methods. Next steps include recommending that the Tobacco Prevention Program collaborate with local businesses and Household Hazardous Waste Collection facilities, to create a functional disposal pick-up and drop-off process, which has been drafted and filed for future agency review.