Vape recycling (and how you can with Vape HQ)

Did you know?

If you sell vapes (described as being a 'distributor' in the regulations), you must offer a 'take back' service where you accept vapes and vape parts (such as used pods, coils or batteries) that customers return for recycling.This includes any single-use vapes returned by customers after the sale and supply ban has come into force on 1 June 2025.   www.gov.uk/guidance/single-use-vapes-ban 

It is a common misconception that vapes are non-recyclable. In the UK alone it is estimated that 5 million vapes are thrown away each week, the equivalent of 8 a second! This adds up to around 10 tonnes of Lithium, which is enough to make batteries for 1200 electric cars.

The main reason for this is that there is a lack of information for the customer on how to properly dispose of vapes and the lithium ion battery inside them. Due to the lack of information available many companies are simply not aware of their legal responsibilities when it comes to selling vapes. Luckily, at Vape HQ we are aware, and as such every single one of our stores offers a take back service for all used vape devices which are then sent for recycling.

What do we offer?

It really is simple, walk into any of our stores and look for the clear tube which displays the recycle your vapes here signage, alternatively ask one of our staff members how to dispose of your vapes and they will be happy to help. We have seen a large increase in the amount of disposable vapes thrown on the ground over the past couple of years and we are happy to take this rubbish if you wish to collect them and bring those to any of our stores as well.  

As we don’t like to discriminate we will send absolutely any device for recycling whether it is disposable or rechargeable. As soon as our bin is full we contact our recycling partner who collects the devices and takes them off to their plant to be broken down and the parts reused.

How are vapes recycled?

• Vapes are collected from store and taken to a treatment facility

• The device disassembled and cleaned

• The materials are separated 

• The plastic and glass are recycled  

• The batteries are recycled into new lithium batteries

• The metal is recycled 

• The cotton, filter and nicotine parts are incinerated

Currently much of this process is done by hand but, with the increase in education, more and more companies are investing in faster and more efficient ways of recycling these products. The more people that recycle their devices in the correct way, the more efficiently these processes can run.

On top of recycling at the point of purchase, many household recycling centres now have vape bins available for recycling and some local councils also allow collection of vapes when collecting wheelie bins; these trucks have a separate container for vapes and batteries that stops them mixing with general waste.

Why should you recycle?

There are three simple reasons why it is important to recycle vapes properly, conserve, reduce and prevent. 

So now you know, all vapes are recyclable and all Vape HQ stores can offer the service

Sources:

www.gov.uk/guidance/single-use-vapes-ban
https://gapgroupuk.com/
https://eco-recycle.co.uk/disposable-vape-recycling-in-the-uk