Vaping Device Collection & Disposal
Schools in Washington County confiscate hundreds of vaping devices each year from students. Batteries in vaping devices may catch fire and pose a threat to people and property if thrown in the trash or recycling, making it extremely important that they are handled appropriately.
In May, Washington County staff attended a meeting with School Resource Officers to discuss the hazards of vape device collection and storage in schools. To address issues that were raised, Washington County offered schools free containers designed for the safe storage of vaping devices, along with messaging for students, parents, and staff. Containers were delivered to two charter schools, one public middle school, and four public high schools in the county.
Once the container is full, schools will be responsible for delivering it to the Washington County Environmental Center, where the device and its battery will be disposed of safely or recycled. Schools can then request additional collection boxes.