How to safely get rid of a vape you no longer use
Got an old vape sitting in a drawer, or a disposable that has finally run out? Before you put it in the bin, there is one important thing to know: vapes contain lithium batteries, which can catch fire if they are crushed or damaged during waste collection or recycling.
The good news is that getting rid of an old vape is fairly simple. Take it to a proper recycling point rather than putting it in your household bin. Whether it is a disposable or reusable kit, this guide explains where to take it, what to do if it still contains e liquid, and how to dispose of it safely.
How do you dispose of a vape safely?
The safest way to dispose of a vape is to drop it off at a dedicated recycling point, such as an in-store takeback bin at a vape shop or supermarket, or a household waste recycling centre. Never place a vape in your general waste, your kerbside recycling bin, or a battery pouch meant for household batteries, since the built-in lithium cell needs specialist handling.
Vape retailers that sell electrical products may offer takeback schemes, making a participating retailer one of the simplest options for returning a used device. Check with the shop before taking it in, as collection arrangements can vary.
Why can't you put a vape in your normal bin?
You cannot put a vape in your normal bin because the lithium battery inside it poses a fire risk once it is crushed, bent, or damaged during collection and sorting. Fire services across the UK have reported fires involving vapes and other small electricals in waste streams.
Beyond the fire risk, vapes also contain nicotine residue, plastics, and small amounts of heavy metals in the battery and coil, all of which are better recovered through proper recycling than left in landfill.
Where can you recycle an old vape in the UK?
You can recycle an old vape at participating supermarkets, dedicated vape retailers, and household waste recycling centres across the UK, many of which now have a clearly marked vape or small electricals collection point near the entrance.
Retailer takeback points
Participating shops that sell vapes may accept old devices for recycling, so your nearest vape shop could be the quickest option. Check whether it accepts the type of device you have before visiting.
Household waste recycling centres
Council run recycling centres accept vapes under small electrical and electronic equipment rules, usually in a labelled bin near the battery and electricals section.
Postal recycling schemes
Several manufacturers and larger retailers now offer free postal recycling envelopes or boxes, handy if you have several old devices to clear out at once.
How do you destroy a vape before you dispose of it?
You do not need to destroy a vape yourself before disposing of it correctly, since recycling facilities are equipped to handle the battery and components safely. If the device still contains e liquid, do not puncture, burn, crush or dismantle it yourself.
Attempting to take a vape apart or destroy the battery at home is where most accidents happen, so it is always safer to hand the whole device over intact at a recycling point and let trained handlers deal with the separation.
Which reusable vapes cut down on future disposal hassle?
Reusable vapes cut down on future disposal hassle because you are replacing pods or coils rather than the whole device when your e liquid runs low. This means fewer complete devices to dispose of over time.
Recommended
Blu MAX 6000 Rechargeable Vape Kit A dependable rechargeable kit with a prefilled pod system, so you replace the pod, not the whole device.
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IVG PRO 12 Kit and Pods A refillable pod kit built for everyday use, with widely available replacement pods.
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ELFBAR Dual 10K Kit and Pods A high capacity rechargeable device designed to cut down on the number of units you get through.
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Full Reusable Vapes Collection Compare every rechargeable kit and find the one that suits how you vape.
Browse all reusable vapes →
A simpler way to reduce vape waste
Every disposable you get through is another device to dispose of safely, so switching to a reusable kit can reduce how often you need to dispose of a complete device. Browse our reusable vapes collection and choose a kit that can be used again and again rather than thrown away after one use.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a vape in my recycling bin? No. Vapes should not go in household recycling. Take them to a shop takeback point or household recycling centre.
Is it illegal to throw a vape in the bin in the UK? Vapes should not go in general rubbish. Hand them in at a recycling point instead.
Do vape shops have to take back old vapes? Yes. UK vape retailers must offer a free takeback scheme for old vapes, regardless of where you bought them.
How do I dispose of a vape battery specifically? Do not remove the battery yourself. Take the whole device to a recycling point for safe processing.
Can I recycle a disposable vape that still has e-liquid left? Yes. Take it to a recycling point and do not try to empty it yourself.
What is the best way to avoid disposing of vapes so often? Switching to a reusable, rechargeable vape kit reduces how often you need to replace the whole device.