Encinitas resident urges action on single‑use vape waste, and backs smoke‑free multiunit housing

Peggy Walker, representing the San Diego Alliance for Drug Free Youth, used the commission’s public‑comment period to press the city to address environmental and health problems from disposable vapes and to advance smoke‑free multiunit housing work on the commission’s calendar.

Walker said disposable vapes create a “throwaway culture”: the devices contain microplastics, hazardous e‑liquid and lithium‑ion batteries and frequently end up on streets, in soil and in waterways. She urged the commission to consider an extended producer responsibility approach in which manufacturers or retailers would assume responsibility for device lifecycle and disposal and offered to provide detailed materials to staff. Walker also thanked the commission for including smoke‑free multiunit housing on its work plan and said a survey of more than 300 MOH residents found strong support for smoke‑free policies.

The commission received the comment during oral communications; no formal motion followed. Staff did not propose immediate regulatory action at the meeting but noted the item is on the commission’s work plan for future consideration.