Keelung City establishes e-cigarette recycling points

The Keelung City Health Bureau has established eight electronic cigarette recycling points across the city, including locations at the main bureau and seven district health centers. Starting September 8, residents can anonymously deposit e-cigarettes into dedicated collection bins without providing personal information.

This initiative aligns with proposed amendments to the Tobacco Injury Prevention Act, which aim to include the possession of e-cigarettes under administrative penalties. The recycling program is intended to assist the public during the transition period following the implementation of the new law.

In addition to recycling, the bureau is implementing multi-pronged strategies to reduce the circulation of illegal e-cigarettes and prevent youth access. This includes school-based education, online monitoring, and field inspections. Authorities noted that teenagers found using e-cigarettes illegally may face fines between NT$2,000 and NT$10,000, alongside mandatory smoking cessation education.