Vape Recycling: How to Dispose of Vapes Responsibly

An alternative option to traditional tobacco cigarettes, vapes, and e-cigarettes have gained steady popularity in recent years. Many consumers turn to these devices in their search for new experiences or healthier lifestyles.

But as vapes and electronic cigarettes grow in popularity, the electronic waste they leave behind grows as well.

To reduce the waste of discarded e-cigarettes, vape recycling comes as an emerging solution. This article will be a guide to disposing of vapes, giving tips and steps on proper vape recycling, and championing sustainable companies like RELX.

Vapes are usually small, compact, and convenient to carry. An unfortunate effect of this design is that people are usually careless with their disposal of the devices. But what are vapes made of, anyway, and why can they be environmentally hazardous?

Vapes are made of plastic casings, metal parts, and lithium-ion batteries. Plastic, as we know, can take centuries to break down and decompose. The metal parts of a vape are the coils and connectors, and lithium-ion batteries can leak harmful chemicals when not disposed of properly.

According to a February 2024 article by Vice, discarded vapes are piling up in the trash, and if the batteries end up in landfills, the leaks can cause disastrous effects on our soil and oceans.

While the better option is to use reusable vapes, a significant number of people still use disposable ones. The latter are single-use, and the way they are made makes disassembling and recycling them a bit more difficult.

They are also often more easily accessible. Disposable vapes can be found in gas stations and convenience stores, whereas reusable ones can usually only be bought in vape shops.

But disassembly is exactly what needs to be done. Each component of the vape–the plastic, the metal, and the lithium batteries, needs to be separated and disposed of accordingly.

The plastic can be recycled like every other kind of plastic, while the metal parts need to be melted and repurposed. The batteries, on the other hand, need to be handled by proper facilities as they could leak or cause fires.

Safety is of the utmost importance from the very first step. Before you even begin to disassemble your vape, make sure you’ve taken all the necessary precautions.

Ensure that you have all the tools you need, such as small screwdrivers and pliers, and protective gear. You will need gloves and safety glasses in case of leakages or accidents. It’s better to be safe than sorry. And always disassemble your vape in a clear, well-ventilated area. Make sure there isn’t anything flammable around you.

But how do you disassemble a vape?

First, use the pliers to remove both ends of the device. Then gently remove the inner components, taking extra care when you get to the battery. Very carefully cut the wires to separate the battery, making sure not to let the cut ends touch as it may spark. To avoid this, cut the wires one at a time and as closely to the battery as possible.

Once everything is separated, wrap the battery in tape to make sure the wires don’t touch anything else.

Now what do you do with the batteries when you’ve taken them out? There are three options.

One, you can go to your vape store. They usually have special containers specifically for used batteries and will know what to do with them.

Another option is to place the battery in a non-conductive container and store it away from heat and high temperatures.

Lastly, you can go to any recycling location, such as electronic stores or recycling centers, that know how to dispose of batteries safely. In the UK, you can find your nearest Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) facility, which specifically disposes of electronic waste.

Now that we’ve established what to do with the most volatile part (the battery), it’s time to recycle the rest of the vape.

The plastic is relatively easy to dispose of; simply recycle it with the rest of the plastics in your household. For the metal components, find a local metal shop or recycling center; they will usually know what to do with them.

The goal is sustainability and minimizing environmental impact, which means following the best practices in everything, including vaping.

When possible, choose to buy a reusable vape. There are some great designs and sizes out there that fit every lifestyle. They’re also very customizable and can be tailored to your preferences.

We, as consumers, are responsible for handling and disposing of the things we consume. The past decade has seen a massive growth in technological development, and with it also comes a growth in electronic waste. We have been made aware of this growing issue, and so it is our responsibility to follow best practices in order to lessen our environmental impact. Carefully follow proper recycling and support brands that promote responsible consumption.

RELX is one such company, offering quality devices and supporting environmental sustainability. Sign up for a monthly subscription, and get 40% off your first order with the code “NEW40.”