Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health and Bismarck State College are teaming up to host a vape take-back event for local residents, as Prairie Public Broadcasting reported. The event is scheduled to take place at the campus location known as the BSC Student Union.
According to the details provided for the gathering, the event is set for November 19, running from 11am to 1pm. This scheduling coincides with the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout, which is also observed on November 19 across the broader region.
Alex Menke outlined the primary goal of the gathering, which is to encourage community members to turn in any nicotine devices they currently hold in their possession. "We're inviting members of the public to bring back vapes that they have in their possession, whether they're old or new — any devices that are nicotine based," Alex Menke told Prairie Public Broadcasting.
Attendees who bring in their items will receive a direct incentive for participating in the take-back effort. "They can be brought to the BSC student union, and exchanged for a snack," Alex Menke told Prairie Public Broadcasting.
In addition to collecting the various devices from individuals, Alex Menke noted that quit kits and therapy dogs will be available at the event to support participants who are looking for cessation resources. Organizers have also confirmed that all discarded vaping devices collected during the scheduled two-hour take-back window will be properly recycled rather than ending up in local waste streams.
The collaboration between Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health and Bismarck State College brings together public health outreach and higher education campus engagement for Burleigh County residents. By aligning the vape take-back with the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout observed on November 19, the local agencies aim to draw attention to tobacco and nicotine cessation resources available to the community. Participants dropping by the BSC Student Union between the hours of 11am and 1pm can interact with therapy dogs, pick up quit kits, and ensure their old or new nicotine devices are handed over to Alex Menke and event staff for proper recycling. Every surrendered device, regardless of whether it is an old model or a newer product, directly translates to a snack for the person turning it in, fulfilling the dual mission of removing nicotine products from circulation and providing a modest thank-you to community members who choose to participate in the midday health initiative at the college student union.
