Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announces Monroe County’s Department of Environmental Services is partnering with waste disposal company Clean Harbors to collect and safely dispose of used vape devices and e-liquids at the Monroe County/Waste Management ecopark on 10 Avion Drive. Monroe County is the first county in New York State to accept and dispose of vape devices, e-cigarettes, and cartridges.
“Vaping is not only a public health issue, it is an environmental issue,” said County Executive Bello. “Vape pens, electronic cigarettes and e-liquids are considered hazardous wastes and should not be thrown away. Monroe County is proud to lead the way in New York by taking action now to prevent these products from harming our environment.”
“Disposable vape products are toxic and unsafe for our environment. That makes them a health threat for all of us, even if we don’t use them. I applaud County Executive Bello, the Department of Environmental Services, and all our partners, who are leading the way when it comes to addressing this emerging public health issue,” Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Michael Mendoza said.
There is no appointment needed and no charge to the public to drop off vapes and cartridges at the Monroe County/Waste Management ecopark. County Executive Bello also announced the Monroe County Health Department and Department of Environmental Services will accept these devices from school districts, providing a way to properly dispose of any confiscated vape devices in their possession by enrolling in the County’s Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG) Program. In order to participate, BOCES, Public School Districts and Private Schools will need to complete and submit a CESQG Form to the ecopark’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility.
“The Monroe County Council of School Superintendents is very pleased with the new vape disposal service provided by the county. Vaping is an epidemic among school students across the region and results in large amounts of confiscated paraphernalia. Now districts have a much-needed service to dispose of these devices safely and appropriately,” said Monroe County Council of School Superintendents President, Dr. Casey Kosiorek.
“We are excited to be a part of this effort to bring awareness to the issue of e-cigarette disposal. The inundation of these products has placed a burden on our local school districts who continue to collect all kinds of e-cigarettes and vape devices that are dangerous to youth populations and marginalized communities. This is a first program of its kind in the state, and we hope to see other communities follow our lead. We are proud to commend County Executive Adam Bello, the Monroe County Health Department and the Department of Environmental Services and we applaud their historic measures to implement this groundbreaking policy,” said Alexandra Popovici, Director of Smoking & Health Action Coalition of Monroe & Livingston Counties for the American Lung Association of New York.