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

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

Recycling vapes can be a lot easier than you think. In this article, we’ll 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 one of the most prominent products of interest among vapers. As the name suggests, these devices are disposable by nature, but can you recycle disposable vapes? The short answer is yes, you can! But there’s a certain way to do it.

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

Disposable vapes can and should be recycled, but it’s important to do so safely and correctly. Due to the batteries in disposable vapes, they can potentially cause fires if severely damaged and exposed to water, posing a health and safety risk in landfills. In addition, the lithium they contain is a valuable material, so it’s important to recycle it.

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

Recycling Vape Components

When it comes to individual vape components, users may need to recycle certain parts individually. This is often the case with rechargeable, non-disposable devices, including vape mods, pens, and pod devices. It’s a good idea to check the instructions and information that came with your vaping product so that you can properly and safely recycle and dispose of the materials.

Recycling Vape Batteries

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

For rechargeable vapes, you should disconnect your vape batteries and dispose of them in standard battery bins. You can find these bins at local supermarkets (depending on where you live) and local recycling centers. The UK government classifies mod batteries as WEEE. This means they can’t be disposed of in standard battery bins. If you want to recycle a vape with a mod battery, you’ll need to find recycling centers 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 type of materials used. Many manufacturers make vape tanks out of Pyrex glass, which cannot be recycled. However, you can recycle the metal in the tank. To do this, you’ll need to disassemble the tank and take it to a scrap metal recycling facility.

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

Recycling Vape Coils

Vape coils are found inside your vape tanks. Each vape coil comes with a wrapped wire and cotton wick that soaks up and heats the e-liquid. Because of the materials found in the coil, they can usually be recycled. Users should first remove the cotton wick before disposing of the metal coil at a local recycling center.

Be sure to dispose of the cotton in a separate trash bin, as it is typically saturated with e-liquid, which cannot be recycled.

Recycling Vape Pods

Pods are often more difficult to recycle than other vape components. Depending on the device, you may not be able to disassemble the individual parts. If the coil and wick can be removed and the pod properly cleaned, then it can be recycled. In most cases, however, it’s difficult to remove the coil from the vape pod. You can check the product instructions to find out how to recycle the components of your pod device.

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.