Security through correct disposal: e-cigarettes endanger the environment!

Security through correct disposal: e-cigarettes endanger the environment!

Österreich - Austria shows progress in the collection and disposal of batteries! According to the electrical device coordination office (EAK), the collective amount of device batteries rose by remarkable 5.3 percent in 2023, which exceeded the EU requirement of 45 percent. The successful “HERE EMP” campaign, which ran from mid -2021 to the end of 2024, installed around 50,000 collection boxes in grocery stores, making the population more easily pointed out to proper disposal. These collection boxes were very popular last year, with a doubling of the crowd by impressive 11 percent, as The increasing popularity of e-cigarettes is also particularly noteworthy, which, however, represent a challenge in disposal. These devices contain lithium batteries that may not be disposed of in residual waste, as this harbors considerable security risks, as Elisabeth Giehser from EAK emphasizes. The wrong disposal can lead to short circuits and even fires. The upcoming day of the battery on February 18, 2025 is intended to further raise awareness of the correct disposal of batteries and electrical appliances, since incorrect disposal practices are still widespread, as well as OTS warns.

new EU battery regulation

The EU battery regulation, which will come into force on February 18, 2024, will in future place binding requirements for the CO2 footprint of batteries and their interchangeability. This regulation indicates the need that lithium batteries must be marked accordingly and collected separately in order to ensure sustainable use and environmental protection. Austria has already positioned itself as a pioneer in the correct disposal and has a constant increase in the collective rate, which shows the increasing environmental awareness and responsibility of the population, says Gehser.