Virtual Booth

The escalating use of electronic cigarette devices has introduced a novel waste stream with significant environmental implications, particularly in urban centers like Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. While the Malaysian government has taken steps to ensure the safety of these devices through the Trade Description (Certification and Marking) of Electronic Cigarette Devices Order 2022, which came into effect on April 5th, 2022, the regulatory framework currently lacks specific provisions and guidelines for the proper disposal of these products at the end of their lifecycle. To understand the current disposal practices and the potential need for specialized waste management solutions, an early exploratory study was conducted across three distinct community areas within Shah Alam: Masjid Bandar Baru, Sungai Buloh (MBBSB), Restoran Nasi Kandar Jabbar, and Kedai Vape TTDI Jaya. The initial findings of this study revealed a notable prevalence of vape usage within these communities, with 54% of respondents identifying as active vape users. More concerningly, the study indicated that 100% of these respondents reported discarding their used vape devices and pods into general waste bins. In response to this identified gap in regulatory guidance and the concerning prevalence of improper disposal practices, the concept of the EL-CHET Bin (Electrical and Chemical Trash Bin) has been developed as an innovative and targeted waste management solution. The EL-CHET Bin is envisioned as a smart recycle bin powered by an integrated solar energy system, offering a sustainable and potentially cost-effective infrastructure for waste management in public and private spaces. The EL-CHET Bin simplifies vape waste disposal, aligning with UN SDGs. It supports Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by preventing environmental contamination, indirectly aids Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) through leachate prevention, enhances urban sustainability for Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), promotes resource recovery for Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and minimizes environmental impact for Goal 13 (Climate Action). To gauge the potential for user adoption and the perceived utility of the EL-CHET Bin, feedback was gathered from the same communities surveyed in the initial study. The results were overwhelmingly positive, with a remarkable 96% of respondents expressing agreement with the EL-CHET Bin concept as a proper and preferred method for discarding their vape-related items. This strong endorsement underscores a high likelihood of user compliance and suggests that the implementation of EL-CHET Bins could significantly improve current vape waste management practices within Shah Alam. In light of these findings, it is strongly recommended that Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam (MBSA) consider the strategic introduction and deployment of EL-CHET Bins across various community spaces within the city, particularly in areas with a high prevalence of vape users as identified in this study, such as Masjid Bandar Baru, Sungai Buloh (MBBSB), Restoran Nasi Kandar Jabbar, and Kedai Vape TTDI Jaya.