Ηλεκτρονικά τσιγάρα μιας χρήσης : διερεύνηση περιβαλλοντικών επιπτώσεων & πολίτικες διαχείρισης τους

Λάσκαρη, Ραφαηλία

Disposable vapes : investigation of environmental impacts & management policies

Master Thesis

Author

Λάσκαρη, Ραφαηλία

Date

2025-11

Advisor

Κοτταρίδη, Κωνσταντίνα

Keywords

Ηλεκτρονικά τσιγάρα μιας χρήσης ; Περιβαλλοντικές επιπτώσεις ; Νομοθετικό πλαίσιο ; Σύστημα παρακράτησης ποσού έναντι επιστροφής ; Σύστημα συλλογής και ανακύκλωσης ; Ευαισθητοποίηση καταναλωτών ; Mlogit ; Ologit ; OLS

Abstract

This thesis deals with the rapid spread of disposable electronic cigarettes (disposable vapes) and the environmental impact resulting from their production, use, and disposal. In addition, based on the latest findings, efforts are being made to identify the best solutions for addressing them and the effectiveness of each of these solutions. The first chapter analyzes the structure, composition, and operation of disposable vapes. Emphasis is placed on the use of polymers, metals, and lithium-ion batteries in the production of these devices, which increase the difficulty of managing their waste. A life cycle analysis by Shilton E. conducted in 2025 is then presented, which shows that disposable electronic cigarettes have a significantly higher environmental footprint than refillable and rechargeable devices, both in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption. The second chapter provides an extensive analysis of the European and national institutional framework governing the management of waste electrical and electronic equipment, with the aim of assessing its adequacy for the safe disposal of disposable vapes. Subsequently, the main policies that could be implemented in Greece are analyzed, including a ban on disposal, improvement of existing collection and recycling systems, raising consumer awareness, and introducing a Deposit Return System (DRS). In order to investigate consumer attitudes towards acceptance and the level of awareness among consumers and retailers, a cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire. For the purposes of data analysis, frequency tables (tab) and nominal (mlogit), ordinal (ologit), and linear OLS regression models were used. The results show that both consumers and retailers are inadequately informed but have a positive intention to cooperate, suggesting that effective regulatory intervention can significantly improve the performance of collection systems. Overall, although the ban on electronic cigarettes has been adopted by several countries both within and outside Europe and is an immediate and effective solution to the problem, the research carried out in the context of this study has shown that the implementation of an innovative device return system, such as the DRS, is likely to be positively received by the citizens of our country. In any case, it is concluded that further study, financial intervention, and improvement are needed in both the collection and recycling system for electronic cigarette waste and in the provision of information to consumers and retailers.