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Bel Air Today
By the People, for the People
Harford County school replaces toilets due to flushed vapes
School now screens students for devices as interim measure
Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:00pm
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A school's costly battle against student vaping exposes the disruptive impact of the epidemic on campus operations.Bel Air TodayHarford County Public Schools has had to replace four toilets at Bel Air High School in the past month due to students flushing vaping devices down the toilets, costing the school over $800. The school is now using a metal detecting wand to screen students for vaping devices as an interim measure.
Why it matters
Vaping has become a growing issue in schools across the country, with students finding ways to conceal and use the devices on campus. This incident highlights the disruptive and costly impact that student vaping can have on school operations and budgets.
The details
According to the school system, staff have had to frequently repair and unclog toilets that have been damaged by flushed vaping devices. At one point, the high school had damaged or out-of-order toilets in nearly every bathroom due to this issue. Students who damage school property are billed for the cost of repairs, which in this case has amounted to over $200 per toilet.
- In the past month, the school has had to replace four toilets.
The players
Harford County Public Schools
The public school district serving Harford County, Maryland.
Bel Air High School
A public high school located in Bel Air, Maryland, that is part of Harford County Public Schools.
What’s next
The school is encouraging parents to speak with their students about the dangers of vaping and the repercussions of damaging school property.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the disruptive and costly impact that student vaping can have on school operations, and the need for schools to take proactive measures to address this issue, including educating students and parents, and holding students accountable for any damage caused.
