Authorities clarify cameras only deter theft as HSA assures no tracing of users

Singapore’s latest anti-vaping campaign, Bin the Vape, is rolling out across the island with 23 secure red disposal bins. While the move aims to help users quit before stricter laws take effect, concerns have surfaced over CCTV surveillance near the bins. Health officials have stepped in to reassure the public that privacy will be protected.

Cameras Aim to Deter Theft, Not Track Users

Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung addressed public concerns in a Facebook video, stating that CCTV cameras installed above the bins are solely to prevent theft and tampering. “The authorities will not identify or trace individuals who use the bin,” Ong emphasized, noting that enforcement efforts focus on distributors and smugglers, not users seeking to dispose of their devices responsibly.

Secure and Confidential Disposal

The red bins, launched on July 25 under the collaboration of the Ministry of Health (MOH), Health Sciences Authority (HSA), and People’s Association, are chained to fixtures and locked to prevent retrieval of discarded devices. HSA reinforced that disposal is confidential, encouraging users to “bin their vapes now” without fear of penalties.

Tackling the Etomidate Threat

Authorities stressed that proper disposal is crucial as one in three seized vapes contain controlled substances such as etomidate, linked to erratic behavior and recent deaths. MOH confirmed plans to list etomidate as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, enabling mandatory supervision for abusers and harsher penalties for traffickers.

Addressing Public Privacy Concerns

The use of surveillance cameras reignited memories of the TraceTogether privacy controversy during the pandemic. HSA clarified that footage is used solely to deter theft. Once vapes are deposited, they cannot be retrieved, and the devices are sent to incineration plants for supervised destruction.

Stronger Laws Coming Soon

Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam revealed that his ministry is preparing legislation to regulate etomidate and other similar substances. Offenders distributing etomidate-laced vapes will face stiffer penalties, while abusers will be placed under rehabilitation programs.

Encouraging Users To Quit
The campaign sends a strong message: dispose of vapes before enforcement escalates. “We are sending a public message to give up your vapes before the new law comes into force,” Ong said. With $2,000 fines still in place for possession, the government hopes this initiative will help users quit safely.

Singapore’s Bin the Vape initiative balances strict enforcement with user privacy, encouraging safe disposal while tackling the rising threat of illicit substances in e-cigarettes. For both locals and the broader region, it underscores Singapore’s zero-tolerance stance on vaping and drugs while protecting individuals seeking to quit.

Sources: Motheship (2025) , The Straits Times (2025)

Keywords: Bin The Vape, Vape Disposal Singapore, Ong Ye Kung, Etomidate Vapes, HSA Initiative