Taiwan sets up collection points for vapes

台灣設立電子煙回收站

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Owners of e-cigarettes will be able to deposit them anonymously in boxes at 431 locations across the country from Tuesday, the Health Promotion Administration said Saturday.

The measure follows a decision by the government on June 25 to criminalize the importation and manufacture of vapes. Possession of the device will be punishable by a fine of up to NT$100,000 (US$3,000) and by confiscation.

The public will be able to hand over the e-cigarettes without having to provide any personal information, per UDN.

The administration said the boxes are expected to remain available until one month after the relevant amendments to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act takes effect. The Cabinet has submitted its proposal to the Legislative Yuan for review.

The administration said its main concern was that young people would develop a vaping habit because of the influence of social media. International research has shown that toxic chemicals linked to vaping may damage brain development, harm lungs, cause addiction, and raise the risk of cancer.