Quitting vaping benefits health – and the environment

Cheap, high-nicotine, disposable e-cigarettes are dominating the market – and contributing to tons of electronic waste. More than 27 vapes are thrown away every second, amounting to more than 850 million vapes that end up in the street or the landfill each year. 

Each disposable e-cigarette contains a lithium battery, which can explode and lead to fires, as well as chemicals that can leak into the environment. E-cigarettes left on the street eventually break down into microplastics and chemicals that flow into the storm drains to pollute our waterways.

When people quit nicotine, they’re helping reduce the amount of electronic waste that ends up in the environment while also breaking free from addiction. EX Program, a digital quitting program developed by Truth Initiative with Mayo Clinic, is free and can help people quit nicotine addiction while reducing waste.

The rise of disposable e-cigarettes

Disposable e-cigarettes saw a huge rise in popularity after they were exempted from federal restrictions in 2020 that removed flavored pod-based e-cigarettes from the market. Between 2017 and 2022, disposable products sold in the U.S. nearly tripled in nicotine strength, quintupled in e-liquid capacity, and dropped in price by nearly 70% - and remain the most commonly used e-cigarette product type. 

Despite how common they are, many of these products are on the market illegally, making it extremely difficult to impose regulations for environmental safety. Recycling programs and safe disposal guidelines for disposable e-cigarettes are virtually non-existent, and most users have no choice but to dispose of e-cigarettes in the regular trash.

EX Program can help people kick nicotine, and reduce their carbon footprint

EX Program is a proven-effective digital quitting program that can increase the odds of quitting by up to 40%. People of all ages can access EX Program’s free personalized support, text messaging, advice and tips from Mayo Clinic experts, and access to the most established online community of current and former tobacco users. EX Program has helped millions of people develop the skills and confidence on their journey to quit – whether for health, freedom from nicotine addiction, financial reasons, or environmental concerns.