How to Dispose of Disposable Vapes​?

Disposable vapes have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their convenience, ease of use and affordability.

However, The rapid rise in disposable vape usage is creating a tidal wave of pollution, and it’s raising serious environmental concerns.

This is because many people don’t know how to safely dispose of disposable vapes. They are thrown into general waste bins and end up in landfill.

In this guide, we’ll show you the best way to dispose of them safely and responsibly in order to minimize the impact on the environment.

Environmental impact of Disposable vapes

Underneath that colorful plastic case sits a handful of harm. Disposable vapes are considered hazardous waste since they contain nicotine, and lithium batteries.

1. Nicotine is acutely toxic, considering as an acute hazardous waste.

nicotine e-Liquid can be easily absorbed by the skin, potentially causing nicotine poisoning with symptoms that include difficulty breathing, fainting, or seizures. Nicotine can also harm fish and other aquatic organisms.

2. Lithium batteries can catch fire, especially when damaged. When placed in trash and recycling bins, lithium batteries often get damaged by trash compactors and can cause fires during transportation and at waste and recycling facilities. Most lithium batteries, when discarded, would likely be considered ignitable and reactive hazardous waste.

Improperly disposed of batteries also pose a significant environmental hazard. They are capable of corroding and leaking into the ground, polluting our soil and water by releasing metals and chemicals.

How to Dispose of Disposable Vapes?

E-liquid contains liquid nicotine, which is a harsh chemical and hazardous waste. If you have leftover e-liquid, do not pour it down the drain. Dispose of it as hazardous waste.

Always wear safety equipment (gloves, apron, and eye protection) when handling damaged vaping devices. Liquid nicotine is very toxic and should not come in contact with the skin or face. Damaged batteries also can burn your skin!

Disposable vapes should not just be thrown away. These devices contain lithium batteries that are a fire hazard when placed in a general waste bin. Take them to a HHW disposal facility, or to the shop you bought them from.

First off, Take it to your local vape shop as they often will have a bin to recycle disposable vapes.

If you don't know where have a vape shop nearby, a quick Google search can help you find one and you can inquire about their disposable recycling options over the phone.

Secondly, Disassemble the disposable vape apart, and take out the lithium-ion battery, and send it to a Electronic Store.

Many stores that sell large quantities of lithium-ion batteries or Electronic products will have a recycling program where you can return the batteries there.

Thirdly, Contact your Local waste management, recycling center, or Household Hazardous waste (HHW) program to see if they collect these used Disposable vapes.

Here, batteries are safely removed and the device is dismantled using automated and manual techniques.

The components are classified according to their material characteristics, such as metals or plastics, and sanitized afterwards. Collectible substances are sent to relevant experts – such as plastics for further treatment and metals to smelters.

If you don't know where have a HHW collection or facility,  check with your state's DNR website or a similar agency, they should have information.

In Conclusion

Proper disposal of Empty disposable vapes is crucial for both safety and environmental protection.

Although throwing your empty disposable vape in the regular trash is easiest and most convenient, it is recommended that you, instead, seek a local e-waste facility or program that is designed for the disposal of electronics.

At these facilities, the devices can be safety recycled and the components within the device can be properly handled.