Austria Plans to Ban Disposable E-Cigarettes

Austria is set to ban disposable e-cigarettes (vapes), following the lead of several other European countries. Health State Secretary Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig announced the planned prohibition, justifying it with both public health and environmental concerns. She highlighted that these single-use products contain harmful substances and often serve as an entry point to smoking for young people.

A major driver for the ban is the environmental and safety hazard posed by the improper disposal of vapes containing lithium-ion batteries. The Austrian Waste Management Association (VOEB) strongly supports the move, with President Gabriele Jüly calling it “an important step in the right direction.” The association reports that the number of battery-related fires in waste management facilities has increased more than fivefold in the last decade, causing significant economic damage and posing serious health and safety risks. Annually, around three million lithium batteries are improperly discarded in Austria’s residual waste, and disposable vapes are a growing contributor to this problem.

The VOEB also emphasized the resource waste, as valuable raw materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel are lost when these devices are not recycled. This move sees Austria joining other European nations like Belgium, France, and the UK, which have already implemented similar bans. While German waste management associations are also pushing for a ban due to fire risks, their government has so far only proposed stricter take-back requirements for retailers.

• News source: Österreich plant Verbot von Einweg-E-Zigaretten

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.

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