The Costa del Sol Environmental Complex recovers 100 kilos of electronic cigarettes monthly since March, an emerging waste with lithium batteries and plastics that requires specific treatment.
The Costa del Sol Environmental Complex, managed by Urbaser, has recovered around 600 kilos of vapers in the six months since this procedure began last March. The plant, dependent on the Association of Municipalities of the Costa del Sol, thus processes an emerging waste that until now ended up in conventional rubbish, according to Diario Sur.
The monthly figure stands at 100 kilos, a quantity that the complex's managers consider significant due to the type of material. Vapers combine plastic, metals, liquids, and lithium batteries, components that can release toxic substances into soils and waters if not managed properly. The president of the Association, Félix Romero, has emphasised the importance of this line of work:
“We are facing a new generation of waste whose presence grows every month. Vapers may seem harmless, but their composition makes them a hazardous waste”
The process requires manual handling and specific treatment. At the plant, materials are separated to recover valuable metals such as aluminium and cobalt, preventing the release of chemical contaminants and avoiding fires in collection trucks and facilities, a risk associated with lithium batteries. The Environmental Complex thus works within its commitment to the circular economy and the management of emerging waste.
For citizens, the official recommendations are clear: vapers should not be thrown in domestic rubbish or in yellow or grey containers. Disposable ones should be taken to clean points or to vaping shops with electronic device containers (RAEE). For rechargeable ones, the cartridge, battery, and other components should be separated, with the battery placed in a specific container for lithium. Additionally, tobacconists, manufacturers, and specialist shops are obliged to ensure their recovery.
The Association has appealed to citizen responsibility to prevent these devices from harming the environment. Separating the parts is essential if the device allows it, without forcing those that are not factory dismantlable. Lithium batteries and disposable vapers go to clean points or battery containers; cartridges or e-liquid containers, clean and empty, go to the yellow container if they are plastic or to the green one if they are glass.
As a reduction measure, experts recommend prioritising rechargeable and repairable devices over disposables, extending their lifespan with good maintenance, and purchasing liquids in recyclable packaging. Many brands and distributors offer incentive programmes with discounts or free products to those who return their used devices.
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