What would you do if you found a vape device?
Many people are unsure about how to dispose of these items safely, which is why we’re excited to share updates on our HazToGo vape collection initiative.
Our collaboration with the LLCHD Environmental Public Health division, the Special Waste Management program, the HazToGo Hazardous Waste Center, and community partners is addressing the challenges of improper vape disposal. Recently, the EPA published important guidance on safely disposing of vape devices (see link below), along with updated regulations.
The HazToGo Waste Management facility (HazToGo.com) is now accepting vape devices and e-liquids during collection events, providing this free service to residents. Our Environmental Health Educators have updated their materials to classify vape devices as household hazardous waste, ensuring that our community is informed about safe disposal options. To raise awareness, we’ve launched a media campaign that includes radio, digital, and streaming ads, as well as a targeted blog post on the TFLC website.
By offering a responsible way to dispose of vape devices, we aim to reduce the estimated 150 million disposable vapes that are improperly discarded in the U.S. each year. This initiative not only highlights the dangers of liquid nicotine and lithium batteries but also helps prevent landfill fires and reduces plastic waste.
We’re proud to partner with the Lincoln Public Schools Environmental Department to implement a pilot vape disposal program in four schools this fall, with interest from additional schools, including two rural schools! Our outreach events have effectively engaged community members, many of whom were surprised to learn about the importance of proper vape disposal.
As we continue to develop sustainable solutions for our community, we invite you to help spread the word about proper vape disposal and encourage others to take vape products to HazToGo. We also encourage you to provide feedback and any ideas you may have for community solutions.
Digital Ad
Environmental Impact and Management of E-Cigarette Waste
Blog article on the TFLC website at: https://tobaccofreelancastercounty.org/vapewaste/
UNL Campus 14-Day Challenge Event
We’re excited to announce that our previous collaborations with UNL students completing capstone projects in Advertising and Marketing have resulted in a new initiative at UNL this fall. We are piloting a 14-day challenge app for UNL students that started on September 30.
To kick things off, we hosted a series of pre-launch events on-campus to encourage students to download and engage with our app-based challenge. This 14-day challenge, designed using a biopsychosocial approach, aims to enhance coping, resilience, and stress management so students can apply these skills to quitting vaping.
Additionally, we partnered with the UNL Health Center and UNL Counseling and Psychology Services to promote the app and inform students. The flyer shows all the fun activities hosted on campus to promote this project.
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Virtual QPR Training - November 8, 2024
Community Awareness Event: Building Resilience: Promoting Mental Wellness for our Youth
Community Awareness Event
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
4600 Valley Road
Lincoln, NE 68510
The Power of Words in Reducing Stigma
Region V hosting at 6400 Cornhusker Hwy Suite 250, Lincoln, NE 68507
October 29, 2024
8:30am-12pm or 1pm-4:30pm
