HSA won't trace identities of those who throw away e-vaporisers into red 'vape bins'. No penalties too.

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) assured that those who dispose of their e-vaporisers in one of the 23 designated disposal bins will not have their identities traced.

HSA said that it would "like to assure members of the public that the Health Sciences Authority will not be tracing the identities of any persons who had binned the e-vaporisers," Straits Times reported.

The “Bin the Vape” initiative on Jul. 25 to encourage e-vaporiser users to surrender their e-vaporisers.

Identities will not be traced

In a press release on the launch, the authorities said those who come forward to bin their e-vaporisers or voluntarily seek support for quitting will not face any penalties for doing so.

Possessing, using or buying vapes carries a maximum fine of S$2,000.

In response to further queries, HSA assured members of the public that they will not be tracing the identities of any persons who had binned the e-vaporisers.

“We strongly encourage the public to dispose of their e-vaporisers, if any, using these disposal bins as they offer a confidential, secure and responsible disposal method.”

Privacy concerns

The disposal bin is red in colour and resembles a normal trash bin and has posters of the initiative pasted a on its front and top.

A CCTV camera is also placed towards the bin to deter theft and tampering.

The bin is locked and secured to fixtures such as pillars to ensure vapes are not retrievable once disposed.

However, the CCTV surveillance has sparked concerns about those who disposed of their vapes being identified.

Red 'vape bins' all around Singapore

Kpods, a type of vape containing etomidate, has sparked a fresh wave of concerns over youths consuming vapes due to its "zombie-like" effect that had users convulsing.

Authorities noted that etomidate will be classified as a Class C illegal drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) in the coming weeks.

The “Bin the Vape” initiative is meant to encourage vape users to quit before the law catches up with them and dispose of their e-vaporisers.

The disposal bins are located at 23 designated community centres around Singapore.

HSA said the locations are not a reflection of rates of vape usage around Singapore, but were decided based on available and convenient locations island-wide and in consultation with the PA.

The bins will be progressively placed in other locations, such as at Institutes of Higher Learning.

Top photos from Khoo Wen-en/Mothership