How to Recycle Your Vape the Right Way

Have you ever wondered where your old vape devices end up once you're done with them? What happens to the batteries, tanks, and pods of your vapes once they reach the end of their lifecycle? With only 30% of vapes currently being recycled, it's time to address the pressing issue of electronic waste in the vaping industry. As a staggering 138 million disposable vapes are sold in the UK each year, one can't help but question the environmental impact of these neglected devices. So, let's discuss responsible vape recycling and explore how we can make a meaningful difference together.

How to Recycle Vape Batteries

Let's kick this off with one of the main components of your e-cigarette: the battery. Properly disposing of batteries is crucial to reduce the negative impact on the environment as they contain many hazardous chemicals. However, the recycling methods differ based on whether you have a built-in battery or a removable one in your device.

Devices with built-in batteries cannot be recycled at battery recycling points because they contain other electrical elements. However, you can recycle these devices at e-waste centres. If you are not sure where to find these centres, you can check the website “recycle your electricals” and find the nearest location.

When it comes to devices with removable batteries, you can simply remove them from your vape and bring them to a designated battery recycling programme. 

DO NOT dispose of them in general waste and avoid throwing them in your bin at home.

Disposing of E-liquid Bottles

E-liquid bottles are usually made of plastic. And if you look at the bottom of these bottles, you will see a recycling triangle with a number inside of it. This number indicates what kind of plastic the bottle is made of. 

Before recycling them, make sure to rinse the bottles thoroughly to remove any residue and traces of nicotine. You can also check the recycling guidelines in your area to ensure you are following the correct procedures, as some facilities may require labels to be removed or caps to be separated. 

Recycling Vape Tanks and Pods

Disposing of vape tanks and pods properly also requires some work as these parts include a combination of materials like plastic, metal, and glass, which need to be separated.

When it comes to the parts made of glass, they are typically made of a different type of glass, which means they should be disposed of separately from your typical household glass items. The plastic parts are usually too small to be picked up by the machines at recycling facilities and need to go in your bin. However, check the packaging for the recycling symbol to make sure it's safe to go in your household bin or if you should take it to your local HWRC (household waste recycling centre). As for the coil, separate the cotton wicking material and wash off any e-liquid residue. The remaining metal coil can be recycled with metals in the scrap metal bin.

By disposing of each part of the vape tank separately, you can ensure that different materials are recycled efficiently, minimising the environmental impact of vaping waste.

Recycling Vape Kits and Mods

The recycling process for vape kits and mods depends on how they are constructed, specifically whether they have a built-in battery or an external battery. Disposing of the devices with built-in batteries is quite simple. Simply remove the battery and drop them off at the battery recycling bin. The rest of the device, as well as the vape kits with built-in batteries, should be dropped off at places where you would dispose of other electronics like laptop batteries, cellphones, etc.

How to Recycle Disposable Vapes

This is possibly the trickiest out of all of them. Disposable vapes have gained a lot of popularity due to their convenience, but they pose a significant environmental challenge if not recycled properly. The statistics show that in the UK, more than 1.3 million disposable vapes are ending up in landfill each week. These devices often contain non-biodegradable materials which can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills, adding to the growing electronic waste crisis.

To recycle them responsibly, you can start by checking with your local recycling facilities or electronic waste collection points to see if they accept these devices. If possible, disassemble the vape, separating the battery from the plastic casing. Be sure to remove any remaining vape juice before recycling. If traditional recycling routes are unavailable, some manufacturers, sellers, or special vape recycling programmes offer disposal options for disposable vapes. 

Final thoughts

As we discussed, responsible disposal of vape devices is key to minimising electronic waste and protecting our environment. Remember, whether you have a built-in battery or an external one, there are suitable methods for recycling your vape equipment. Take the initiative to check with your local recycling centres for guidance on the proper disposal of different vape components.

If you have any questions or need further assistance on vape recycling, feel free to reach out to Rhythm N Vape at info@rhythmnvape.co.uk. Your actions today can make a world of difference tomorrow.

FAQs

Can Vapes Be Recycled?

Yes, vapes can, and should, be recycled. However, it's essential to disassemble them and dispose of each part correctly at designated recycling facilities.

How to Dispose of Vape Refills?

To dispose of vape refills responsibly, it's recommended to rinse them thoroughly to reduce the risk of contamination. Once rinsed, follow disposal guidelines to ensure proper and safe disposal of the refills, preventing any potential environmental harm.

Are Vapes Biodegradable?

No, vapes are not biodegradable due to the materials used in their construction, such as plastics and metals.

What Materials Are Used in a Disposable vape?

Disposable vapes typically consist of materials such as plastic, metal, lithium batteries, and various electronic parts. Proper disposal and recycling of disposable vapes are crucial to reduce electronic waste and minimise environmental impact.

Are Disposable Vapes Bad for the Environment?

Disposable vapes contribute to electronic waste and environmental pollution if not disposed of properly. Recycling or choosing reusable options helps reduce their impact.