Marathon County Health Department. Image courtesy: WAOW TV
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Marathon County Health Department and Solid Waste Department are raising awareness for the proper disposal of vape devices.
Public Health Educator Courtney Tvedten says the devices come with two major issues- chemicals and fire hazards. “The E Liquid or any [liquid] left in them can contaminate the environment by getting into the soil and water. The [lithium-ion] batteries are also a fire hazard. When they go through our recycling or trash, [are] exposed to heat, damaged, or compacted they are likely to cause fires,” said Tvedten.
She says the team at the Marathon County landfill deals with at least one small fire every week due to the batteries. “It’s definitely an issue and this gives us an avenue to reduce the number of vape products that are going there.”
Throughout April, residents can drop off used vape devices at the Marathon County Health Department at 1000 Lake View Drive, Suite 100, in Wausau anytime during open hours in April (Monday-Friday, 8 AM-4:30 PM). The Marathon County Health Department, in partnership with Marathon County Solid Waste, will ensure the products are disposed of safely.
Tvedten says the Health Department office is the only place accepting the devices, but if this drive is successful, they may look to expand the program. “It is an issue not only in our community but across Wisconsin, and there are not many solutions. This provides us with a solution until we can address this on a bigger scale.”
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