San Giorgio a Cremano has become the first municipality in the province of Naples to distribute dedicated collection containers for used electronic cigarettes to local tobacconists. The program aims to streamline electronic waste management and prevent toxic components from entering general landfills.
Twelve licensed tobacconists joined the initial rollout, placing collection boxes inside and outside their shops. Consumers can deposit any used vaping device directly into these bins without needing to make a new purchase.
Because e-cigarettes contain plastic casings, circuitry, and lithium-ion batteries, European Union directives classify them as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). Collecting them in dedicated bins ensures materials are separated safely and routed to proper recycling facilities.
Mayor Giorgio Zinno highlighted the municipal initiative during the rollout:
“We are the first municipality in the province of Naples to equip the city with containers of this type, offering citizens another tool to separate waste correctly.”
The city administration personally delivered the containers and specialized cigarette butt receptacles to local businesses, pairing infrastructure with direct community outreach to improve local recycling compliance.
