County approves $1,500 SCORE budget amendment to pay for safe disposal of confiscated vaping devices

The Sherburne County Board approved a $1,500 amendment to the SCORE solid-waste line-item budget to fund disposal costs for vaping devices confiscated in county schools and to purchase gloves, baggies and safety glasses for school staff.

Maureen Moza of Planning and Zoning introduced the item and said the proposed new program is a partnership between Human Services and Planning and Zoning to provide safe collection and disposal of vaping devices confiscated in county schools. A presenter appearing on behalf of Alicia Maxwell of the county’s substance-use prevention coalition said a January 2023 survey of school administrators and school-resource officers showed schools are confiscating vapes but often lack a standard, safe disposal process. The presenter said some confiscated devices were being stored in drawers or thrown in the trash and noted that “these are hazardous waste, and they have the ability to also ignite as well.”

The amendment covers disposal fees at Stearns County’s household hazardous-waste facility and the purchase of supply kits to be given to schools. The Solid Waste Advisory Committee reviewed the request on Oct. 1 and recommended approval. The board approved the budget amendment by motion and second.

County staff said the amendment addresses devices confiscated by schools; the presenter said members of the public may also bring vaping devices to household hazardous-waste facilities but that most users currently do not. Staff said the county intends further public education about proper disposal.