Vapes and e-cigarettes are electronic devices that simulates tobacco smoking but with fewer toxins, in lower amounts, than cigarette smoke. Each device consists of an atomizer, a power source such as a battery, and a container such as a cartridge or tank. Instead of smoke, the user inhales vapour. Vapes or electronic cigarettes can be single use or have rechargable batteries.
When you recycle anything with a plug or a battery, you are helping to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. Electrical items generally contain hazardous components and therefore need to be disposed of correctly. By recycling you are also helping to conserve natural resources such as plastics, glass and metals as they are recovered for use again in industry.
Vapes contain a variety of materials, ranging from plastics to lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese. By recycling, you are saving precious resources from going up in smoke! – and helping us to achieve a truly circular economy.
Vapes and e-cigarettes should not be placed in the general waste bin. The crossed-out ‘wheelie bin’ symbol on these products highlights that they should never be placed in household waste for disposal, rather they should be recycled
If you can remove the battery from your vape, take it out and recycle it separately. If you cannot remove the battery, recycle the whole item. Please ensure the liquid tank is removed prior to being placed in the ERP Battery collection box.
There are many options for recycling your used vapes or e-cigarettes.