How To Dispose Of Vapes

Got an old vape you’re ready to ditch? Before you toss it in the bin, stop right there. Vapes contain batteries, e-liquid residue, and electronic components that can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.

So, what’s the best way to safely and responsibly dispose of your vape? Whether you’re using a disposable vape, refillable device, or pod system, there are eco-friendly ways to recycle and dispose of them without causing harm. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to dispose of your vape the right way, where to recycle it, and why it matters.

Let’s break it down!

Why proper vape disposal matters

Whether you use disposable vapes, pod kits, or starter vape pens, it's essential to remember that the components can harm the environment when they're not disposed of correctly. Here are just some reasons why taking the time to dispose of your vape kits responsibly matters:

1. Electronic Waste: As electronic devices, vape kits contain components like sensors and circuit boards, which can contribute to global e-waste.

2. Harmful Chemicals: Throwing away vape cartridges means you could be exposing wildlife to chemicals that may cause them harm.

3. Battery Hazards: Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular solution for vapes and many other electric devices. Unfortunately, research showed that 40,000 tonnes of portable batteries were sold in the UK in 2020, but less than half were recycled (Recycle More).

4. Plastic Pollution: Plastic is another ongoing concern for the UK; many kits contain plastic components. Failing to dispose of them correctly can lead to pollution problems.

How to dispose of your disposable vapes safely

A report from the government highlights that failing to throw away your disposable vapes responsibly can lead to toxic substances damaging the environment. Luckily, there are many ways to recycle disposable vapes and protect the environment.

The best thing is that you don't need to worry about wasting a lot of time, as there are measures across the UK that make responsible recycling easy.

Check your local area's regulations

All local authorities have regulations regarding the sale and disposal of electrical waste and batteries. Instead of throwing the device in the bin, your local council website will detail how—and where—to take your items.

You'll find all the information you need on the local authority's website. If you're unsure of the local council's website, you can use GOV.UK to search.

Empty your disposable

Most disposable vapes stop working when they're out of vape juice, but the battery might run out. If your device still has some vape juice, it's important to empty it beforehand, as it ensures there are no contaminants.

Separate the components

Disposable vapes are easy to dismantle, and separating them into different parts can simplify things for recycling facilities. If your disposable has a plastic body, you can place it in the recycling bin, while cartridges and pods should follow your local authority's hazardous waste guidelines.

Remember, lithium batteries must be recycled at a designated facility. Throwing them in the bin can result in the batteries being sent to landfill sites.

Recycling programmes

You might also find vape manufacturers or retailers who will accept disposable vape waste on your behalf. You can take the vapes to them and avoid a trip to your local recycling centre.

Disposing of rechargeable vapes

With disposable vapes set to be banned in 2025, reusable vape kits like pods and mod devices will become go-to's for vapers. These systems can last for years but will need replacing at some point. Here's how to ensure you don't harm the environment.

Remove the battery

Most rechargeable vapes have lithium-ion batteries, and these should never be thrown away, as this can lead to pollution. If your battery is detachable, local household waste recycling centres will usually have a battery drop-off point.

Some kits have built-in batteries, but you can ask whether your local electric waste facility will take the entire kit.

Empty the vape juice

It's important to avoid emptying vape juice down the drain - especially if yours contains nicotine. It can get into the water supply and contaminate systems, which is dangerous for wildlife.

Instead, we recommend emptying the e-liquid into a highly absorbent material such as coffee grounds or cat litter, then putting it in general waste.

Recycle your device

Some vape manufacturers offer discounts for people who trade in their devices when making new purchases. If this isn't an option for you, ask whether your electronic waste facility lets you recycle vapes.

Throwing away coils

Coils can be challenging to recycle as they are not electrical or plastic waste. However, in most cases, you can take them to your local recycling centre, as most facilities can repurpose the metal. They might ask you to remove the cotton wick first, though.

The bottom line

As you can see, disposing of disposable vapes or refillable devices doesn't take long. Following the above steps can protect the environment, and most importantly, it gives you a guilt-free vaping experience.

E-cigarettes will continue to be the go-to solution for former smokers due to their health and environmental benefits. So, if you're looking for high-quality kits at fantastic prices, 88Vape won't disappoint.

Spend just £15 and look forward to free UK delivery. Need some advice? Please contact our customer service team.

FAQs

Can I throw my vape in the bin?

While some people do throw their vape kits away, it's best to avoid it. Even if you remove the external battery, the rest of your kit will still go to landfills. Separating the components is an environmentally friendly way to dispose of your vape kits.

Where can I recycle my vape?

You can dispose of your kit in many vape shops or take it to battery recycling points. In most cases, you won't need to take each vape to the recycling centre, but you can also collect old vapes and recycle them in bulk to save on time and transportation costs.

Are disposable vapes bad for the environment?

There's been an ongoing debate regarding whether disposables are environmentally friendly. They're definitely less sustainable than traditional devices. When you switch to a reusable vape, you're actively contributing to a greener planet and will also save money.

The government is banning disposables due to child vaping and their impact on the environment, but pod kits and starter pens are great alternatives.