By: Nicholas Vincent
Discarded vapes have been identified as a significant threat to animals, according to new data from the RSPCA. The charity received 10,483 calls relating to animals impacted by litter over the past three years, with the number of calls likely to increase this year. The RSPCA is a British animal welfare charity that works to prevent cruelty, promote kindness to and alleviate the suffering of animals.
Used vapes are becoming more common in litter, posing a danger to animals that mistake them for food. Vapes contain various materials and poisonous substances, including plastic, lithium, and nicotine, which can harm animals. Ingesting discarded vapes can even lead to death.
Angling litter, including discarded fishing line, hooks, and plastic netting, is another significant concern. Almost 50% of all litter-related calls to the RSPCA last year involved animals becoming caught in fishing litter. Discarded fishing tackle can cause injuries or death for animals, including hedgehogs, geese, and gulls.
To raise awareness of these issues, the RSPCA is encouraging people to participate in Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean’s ‘Big Bag Challenge,’ starting on March 17. Last year, the challenge collected nearly half a million bags of litter of all types, and this year, the charity anticipates an increasing number of vapes to be included in the challenge.
The UK government warns that improper disposal of vapes can result in the release of plastic, electronic, and hazardous chemical waste into the environment. To prevent such negative impacts, used vapes should be disposed of properly, either at a household recycling center or at the store where the device was purchased.
Littering, including vaping litter, is one of the biggest hazards for wildlife today, says RSPCA scientific officer Evie Button. She encourages people to participate in the Great British Spring Clean to remove litter that may endanger animals. Button also highlights that spring is the perfect time to go on a litter-pick, as it is before the breeding season when young animals such as fox cubs start getting into trouble. She is calling on the public to get involved in the Great British Spring Clean to help remove litter that may endanger animals. Read more here: https://www.onegreenplanet.org/animals/discarded-vapes-threat-to-animals/