A Guide to Recycling Vape Products

There can be a lot of confusion surrounding the vape recycling process.

As a small electrical device, vape recycling should be done a certain way. The way to do so depends on the type of vape you use, and whether it’s disposable or rechargeable. 

It can be a lot easier to recycle vapes than you might think. In this article, we break down how to recycle disposable vapes, as well as reusable ones once you’ve gone vape-free.

Recycling Disposable Vapes

Disposable vapes have become increasingly popular over the past few years and are some of the most prominent products of interest among vapers. As their name suggests, these devices are disposable by nature, but can you recycle disposable vapes? In short - yes, you can! But there’s a certain way to go about it.

When wanting to recycle disposable vapes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Disposable vapes are classified as WEEE (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment) as they contain complex electronic components like lithium batteries. 

Disposable vapes can and should be recycled, but it’s important to do so safely and correctly. Due to the batteries found inside disposable vapes, they can potentially cause fires if severely damaged and exposed to water, and can therefore pose health and safety risks at landfill facilities. What’s more, the lithium in them is a high-value material, so it’s important to recycle this.

You can sometimes recycle disposable vapes - and reusable ones - by taking them to their local vape shop. If not, you can recycle them in a WEEE-friendly recycling centre. If you go to one of these facilities, you won’t have to remove the battery yourself - just don’t throw your vapes into the wrong waste streams

Recycling Vape Components

When it comes to individual vape components, users might need to recycle certain parts individually. This is often the case for rechargeable, non-disposable devices including vape mods, pens and pod devices. It’s recommended that you review the guidance and information that comes with your vaping product, so you can recycle and dispose of the materials correctly and safely. 

Recycling Vape Batteries

Depending on the type of vape you use, there are a few things you can do with your vape batteries. 

With rechargeable vapes, you should disconnect and dispose of their vape batteries in standard battery bins. You can find these bins in local supermarkets (depending on where you live) and local recycling centres. The UK government classifies mod batteries as WEEEs. This means they can’t be disposed of in standard battery bins. If you’re looking to recycle a vape with a mod battery, you’ll have to find recycling centres that recycle WEEE components. 

Recycling Vape Tanks

When it comes to recycling vape tanks, there are some important things to know. Vape tanks can be recycled but it depends on the types of materials used. A lot of manufacturers make vape tanks from Pyrex glass, which cannot be recycled. However, you can recycle the tank’s metal. To do this, you’ll have to disconnect the tank and take it to a scrap metal recycling point. 

To make the process easier, we recommend you read your product’s guidelines as it may actually be recyclable – making it that much easier. If your vape tank can be recycled, make sure to clean the device, disconnect the coil from the tank and dispose of it in a home recycling bin. 

Recycling Vape Coils

Vape coils can be found inside your vape tanks. Each vape coil comes with a wrapped wire and cotton wick, which soaks and heats up the e-liquid. Because of the materials found in the coil, they can typically be recycled. The first thing users should do is remove the cotton wick before discarding the metal coil at a local recycling centre. 

Make sure to dispose of the cotton in a separate garbage bin as they’re typically saturated in e-liquid, which can’t be recycled. 

Recycling Vape Pods

Pods are often more difficult to recycle compared to other vape components. Depending on the device, you might not be able to break up the individual parts. If the coil and wick can be removed, and the pod cleaned out properly, then it can be recycled. For the most part though, it’s hard to remove the coil from the vape pod. You can review the product’s instructions to find out how you can recycle your pod device components. 

Recycling Vape Juice

Usually, vape juice bottles can be recycled when they’re empty as they’re normally made of plastic and glass. However, vapers should try to finish or discard any remaining e-liquid before recycling the bottle or pod. 

E-liquid that contains nicotine should not be poured down the sink. If your vape juice has nicotine in it, you can take your bottles to a specific drop-off centre. We recommend reviewing the guidelines attached to the product so you can dispose of the e-liquid properly. 

E-liquid bottles with the pipette can be made from various materials (including glass, rubber or plastic) and are usually not recyclable. If you recycle the main part of the bottle, make sure to disconnect the pipette and place it in a standard waste bin. 

Vape Recycling Near Me: Where Can You Recycle Your Vapes?

In the UK, there are a few places you can go to recycle your vapes. Depending on your location, some councils collect electrical devices. You can contact them to make sure they take your particular vaping device. You can also visit your local recycling centre or go to a recycling bank, which are sometimes located in supermarkets. 

If you’re unsure of where to go, you can use this free online recycling tool to find out where to recycle your goods. Users can enter their postcode and vape product(s) to identify the nearest suitable and WEEE-friendly recycling plant.