How effective the metal vape collection boxes have been for Waco ISD

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Back in November, Waco ISD had metal vape disposal boxes installed on some campuses throughout the district.

This was done after more information was released detailing how dangerous it was to throw vapes away -- with instances of them catching trashcans and trucks on fire.

Since the start of the 2025 fiscal year, the district has collected more than 190 vapes.

An officer twice a month will collect the vapes from the boxes and then makes sure they are disposed of correctly. We’re told there’s boxes at each high school, with smaller containers at middle schools.

“I think they’re crucial, it is a safe way for students to dispose of their vapes without any criminal charges being filed against them. It’s also more environmentally safe,” Lt. Jeff Freeman with the Waco ISD Police Department said.

There’s a history of the middle schools having more vape devices than the high schools.

Lt. Freeman hopes the disposal boxes can be an asset for the community as well.

“I would love to have a full-size metal box at each one of our campuses as well as other facilities such as the Waco ISD Stadium and the Waco ISD Administration Building. If you think about it, if we could get some metal boxes placed outside a pedestrian could pitch one inside as well versus throwing it in the trashcan,” Lt. Freeman says.

As for how the vapes are disposed of, each vape is individually sealed in a Ziploc bag, taken to environmental staff in Waco and then it’s incinerated.

Lt. Freeman says the district is working alongside the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to run vape stings on vape shops selling to minors. Those who are caught will receive a citation to the State and it could amount to having their license removed.

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