The Health Sciences Authority of Singapore and the People’s Association have jointly launched the “Bin the Vape” program, setting up recycling bins at 24 locations across the island to encourage the public to safely dispose of vapes and their accessories. This initiative aims to prevent the possible illegal drugs (such as etomidate) contained in vapes from being abused or illegally reused. The recycling bins are locked, emptied, and destroyed regularly. If any damage or theft is discovered, it will be investigated by the police. As etomidate is about to be reclassified as a Class C drug, the government plans to strengthen control. Users will face compulsory rehabilitation treatment, repeat offenders may face imprisonment, and sellers can be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison and caning.
Key Points:
- The Singapore Health Sciences Authority emphasizes that vapes may contain illegal or regulated substances.
- Recycling bins have been set up at 23 locations to ensure the safe disposal of vapes.
- The government plans to classify etomidate as a Class C drug and strictly control it.
- The Singapore Health Sciences Authority has collaborated with the People’s Association to launch the “Bin the Vape” program, encouraging people to voluntarily dispose of vapes.
Singapore sets up vape recycling bins
According to a report by The Straits Times on July 27th. The Singapore Health Sciences Authority and the People’s Association have jointly launched the “Bin the Vape” program, aiming to encourage the public to safely dispose of vapes and their accessories. Under this program, the authorities have set up vape recycling bins in 23 public clubs and a residents’ contact network center across the island, allowing the public to anonymously and safely discard vapes.
The Health Sciences Authority responded to media inquiries by stating that some vapes may contain drugs such as etomidate, which are illegal or subject to regulation. The establishment of the recycling bins can effectively prevent the abuse or illegal reuse of these substances.
Preventing the abuse of etomidate
Regarding the reason for selecting 24 specific locations to set up recycling bins. The Health and Science Bureau explained that these locations were chosen based on their convenience and existing facility conditions, rather than because there were more vape users in those areas. To make it more convenient for vape users to dispose of their devices, these recycling bins will continue to be used at the existing locations until further notice.
To ensure safety and confidentiality, the authorities have secured the recycling bins and placed them in designated locations to prevent damage or theft. The discarded items are safely emptied and sent to the incineration plant for destruction regularly. If any recycling bin is found to be damaged or stolen, the case will be handed over to the police for further investigation.
As etomidate is expected to be reclassified as a Class C drug. The government plans to impose stricter legal control on it. According to the “Drug Abuse Act”, users must undergo mandatory supervision and rehabilitation treatment. Repeat offenders may face at least one year in prison, while those who sell, distribute, or import the drug may face a maximum of 20 years in prison and can also be subjected to caning.
Etomidate, as a clinical anesthetic, must be used under strict medical guidelines. However, its non-medical use in vapes may cause serious health hazards. Long-term use not only may lead to addiction but also can result in severe side effects such as involuntary muscle twitching and confusion of consciousness. Therefore, the Health Science Bureau urges the public to dispose of vape devices responsibly and safely through properly set-up recycling bins.
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