Health

Taiwan To Set Up Anonymous E-Cigarette Recycling Bins

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Updated

By TaiwanPlus

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Taiwan’s Health Promotion Administration will set up designated recycling bins for vapes and e-cigarettes at 431 locations across 22 cities and counties.

Vapes and E-Cigarettes

REPORTER:  
Health authorities are setting up recycling bins for people to dispose of used vapes and e-cigarettes.

Lo Su-Ying (HEAD, TOBACCO CONTROL DIVISION, HEALTH PROMOTION ADMINISTRATION):  
There will be designated recycling bins  
for the public's use  
who can throw out their [used vapes]  
without needing to give their names  
or any personal information.

REPORTER:  
The bins will be placed at 431 locations across Taiwan. Vapes and e-cigarettes are already illegal to import, manufacture and sell, but there are concerns over increasing cases of so-called “zombie vapes” containing the anesthetic etomidate. In response, health officials have proposed amendments that would increase the maximum fine for vape possession to over $3,000 US dollars. Vapes contain components like lithium batteries, so throwing them into the regular trash could lead to fires or contamination.

Lin Ching-Li (DIRECTOR, TOBACCO HAZARD PREVENTION CENTER, JOHN TUNG FOUNDATION):  
This will not only give current e-cigarette users  
the determination to quit  
but also let them recycle their e-cigarettes.

REPORTER:  
If the amendments are passed, there will be a one-month grace period before they take effect.