Nicotine Use and Vape Waste in Connecticut: A Dual Public Health and Environmental Policy Framework for Prevention, Harm Reduction and Sustainable Disposal

Abstract

While the health effects of nicotine consumption through vaping are increasingly recognized, the environmental impacts of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are less appreciated and often overlooked in Connecticut and nationwide. This study evaluates the dual public health and environmental footprint of vaping across Connecticut, drawing on a primary community survey (n=89), material flow analysis (MFA), and life cycle assessment (LCA). Survey findings reveal that while only 30.3% of respondents reported any lifetime nicotine use and 4.5% reported current use, 14.6% had at some point used a vape or e-cigarette. The dominant age cohort was 25–34 years (47.2%), with the sample majority identifying as Black or African American (62.9%). Environmental awareness was substantial: 59.6% knew vapes contain hazardous materials and 44.9% had personally observed vape litter in their communities. A clear majority (61.8%) believed vape waste poses environmental or safety risks, and over 50% expressed support for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). In 2022, an estimated 285,000 Connecticut residents used vaping products, generating approximately 12.8 million disposable devices and 2.4 million e-liquid cartridges annually, contributing an estimated 1,450 metric tonnes of electronic waste. This study proposes an integrated policy framework combining public health interventions (prevention, cessation support, harm reduction), environmental regulations (extended producer responsibility, deposit-return systems, hazardous waste infrastructure), and sustainable solutions (circular economy models, proper disposal systems). Survey respondents prioritized more school education (61.8%), stricter marketing rules (61.8%), and stronger age enforcement (58.4%) as the top policy actions.