Guide To Recycling Your Vape

Vapes should never be thrown into your household rubbish or recycling bin. Whether you have an old disposable vape, a rechargeable pod kit or a device with a removable battery, it needs to be recycled through an appropriate collection service. Vape devices contain electrical components and batteries that can cause fires when damaged or crushed, but they also contain valuable materials that can be recovered and reused.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to recycle your vape in the UK. Vape retailers, household waste recycling centres and dedicated electrical recycling points can all provide suitable disposal options.

In this guide, we'll explain how to recycle different types of vapes, what to do with batteries, pods and e-liquid bottles, and where to find your nearest recycling point.

How To Recycle Your Vape Safely

Recycling your vape is straightforward, but it's important to prepare your device correctly before handing it over.

1. Switch off your vape. If your kit has a power button, make sure the device is switched off and disconnected from its charger.

2. Remove the battery if it's designed to be removable. External batteries, such as 18650 and 21700 cells, can be recycled separately at a suitable battery collection point. Never try to open a sealed device to remove its internal battery.

3. Separate removable parts where appropriate. Detach any pods, tanks or other components that can be removed normally, without tools or force. Check whether your recycling provider accepts them together or separately.

4. Keep the device safe until recycling. Store used vapes somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, children and pets. Don't crush, puncture or attempt to dismantle the battery.

5. Find a suitable recycling point. Take your device to a participating vape retailer, dedicated vape collection bin or household waste recycling centre. Follow the collection provider's instructions for separating batteries and other components.

You can use the Recycle Your Electricals vape recycling guide to find nearby collection points using your postcode.

If your vape is swollen, leaking, unusually hot or visibly damaged, don't place it in an ordinary collection bin. Contact your local recycling centre for advice on safely handling and disposing of the device.

Where Can You Recycle Vapes?

There are several places across the UK where you can recycle used vaping devices. The most convenient option will depend on where you live and the type of equipment you need to dispose of.

Vape Shops And Retailer Take-Back Schemes

Vape retailers have responsibilities under the UK's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations to provide take-back arrangements for used vapes and vape parts.

This includes single-use vapes, rechargeable devices and components such as used pods, coils and batteries. Retailer take-back services allow customers to return equipment for recycling rather than placing it in household waste.

Vape Superstore accepts used vaping equipment for recycling. You can return your old devices to the following address:

Vape Superstore
Unit 2B/2C Berol House
25 Ashley Road
London
N17 9LJ

Before sending or bringing your equipment to us, please contact our team to confirm the appropriate return arrangements, accepted items and any packaging requirements.

Household Waste Recycling Centres

Your local household waste recycling centre, sometimes called a tip, is another option for disposing of old vaping equipment.

These facilities have designated collection areas for electrical waste and batteries. Depending on the site, you'll either deposit the complete device into a suitable vape or electrical recycling container, or separate a removable battery for collection.

Always follow the instructions displayed at the recycling centre. Don't place complete vapes into general scrap metal, plastic recycling or ordinary battery bins.

Many councils also offer collections for small electrical items. Check your local council's website to find out whether this is available in your area.

Find Your Nearest Vape Recycling Point

You can use the following services to find recycling centres, vape collection bins and electrical recycling hubs across the UK.

Before visiting: Check that the collection point accepts vaping devices, particularly those with built-in batteries. Opening hours, access requirements and accepted materials can vary between locations.

Can You Recycle Disposable Vapes?

Yes you can. Disposable vapes can be recycled, even though their sale and supply have been banned across the UK since 1 June 2025.

The ban makes it illegal for businesses to sell or supply single-use vapes, including both nicotine-containing and nicotine-free versions. However, it doesn't prevent you from returning your old devices for recycling.

Disposable vapes contain batteries, wiring, plastics and other materials that require specialist handling. Although some of these materials can be recovered, the devices aren't designed to be taken apart by the user.

To recycle an old disposable vape:

1. Don't attempt to recharge, refill or dismantle it.

2. Keep it away from heat and protect it from accidental damage.

3. Take the complete device to a participating vape retailer or suitable electrical recycling collection point.

4. Follow the collection provider's instructions for depositing the device.

Disposable vapes shouldn't be placed in household rubbish or mixed recycling because their batteries can cause fires when compressed or damaged during waste collection and processing.

What About Big Puff And Rechargeable Vapes?

Many newer vape kits use rechargeable batteries with replaceable prefilled pods or refill containers.

These devices can be used repeatedly, but they still need to be recycled when they reach the end of their lifespan.

If the battery is built into the device, recycle the complete unit through an electrical recycling service. Don't try to dismantle the casing or remove a sealed battery yourself. 

Replaceable pods and refill containers can be collected separately where the recycling provider offers an appropriate service.

How To Dispose Of Vape Batteries

Most rechargeable vape kits use lithium-ion batteries. These batteries store energy efficiently, but they can become hazardous if crushed, punctured, overheated or improperly disposed of.

A damaged lithium-ion battery may short-circuit or enter thermal runaway, potentially causing a fire.

The correct recycling method depends on whether your vape has a removable battery or a battery built into the device.

Recycling Removable Vape Batteries

Some vape kits use external rechargeable batteries, including common 18650 and 21700 cells.

Once these batteries reach the end of their usable life, they can be taken to suitable battery recycling points at participating retailers, supermarkets or household waste recycling centres.

Before recycling:

• Remove the battery only if your device is designed for user removal.

• Protect the battery terminals with suitable non-conductive tape to reduce the risk of a short circuit.

• Keep the battery away from loose metal objects, such as coins and keys.

• Take it to a collection point that accepts rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

Don't place loose batteries into household rubbish or mixed recycling.

Recycling Vapes With Built-In Batteries

Many compact vape kits contain batteries sealed inside the casing. These aren't intended to be removed by the user.

If your device has a built-in battery, take the entire vape to a collection point that accepts small electrical equipment or complete vaping devices.

The recycling facility will handle the removal and processing of the battery using appropriate procedures and equipment.

What To Do With Damaged Vape Batteries

If your vape or battery becomes swollen, leaks, emits unusual smells, makes hissing noises or becomes unusually hot, stop using it immediately.

Don't recharge it, puncture it or attempt to open the device.

Keep it away from flammable materials if it is safe to do so, and contact your local recycling centre or the manufacturer for specialist disposal instructions. Don't deposit damaged batteries into a normal public battery collection bin without approval.

If a battery is actively smoking or burning, move away, keep others clear and call 999 for the fire service.

Can Vape Pods And Cartridges Be Recycled?

Many refillable and prefilled vape kits use removable pods or cartridges to hold e-liquid. These components often contain several different materials, including plastic, metal and cotton wicking.

The combination of materials can make recycling more complicated than recycling a single-material plastic bottle.

However, used pods and coils can be accepted through vape retailer take-back arrangements and certain specialist collection services.

Before disposing of a pod, check whether it contains a battery. Most replacement pods don't contain batteries, but some compact vaping products combine several electronic components within a single unit.

Don't automatically place used vape pods into household recycling or general waste. Ask your vape retailer or recycling provider which collection route they accept.

Recycling E-Liquid Bottles

Most e-liquid bottles are made from plastic, although some products use glass bottles with separate droppers or pipettes.

Empty bottles may be suitable for household recycling, depending on their material and your local council's recycling rules.

To prepare your bottles:

1. Make sure the bottle is empty, with no usable e-liquid remaining.

2. Follow the product and local authority guidance for dealing with any remaining residue. Don't pour unwanted nicotine-containing e-liquid down the drain.

3. Check whether your council accepts the bottle material in household recycling.

4. Separate mixed-material components, such as glass pipettes and rubber droppers, if required by your local recycling service.

Plastic bottles commonly carry a recycling identification symbol, but this doesn't guarantee that your local council accepts that particular type of packaging.

If you have partially full bottles or significant quantities of unwanted e-liquid, contact your local authority for advice on safe disposal.

Recycling Vape Tanks And Coils

Vape tanks are made from several materials, including metal, glass, plastic and rubber. Coils typically contain metal heating elements and cotton wicking.

Some components may be recyclable once separated, but the correct disposal route depends on the materials involved and the facilities available locally.

For example, the heat-resistant glass used in some vape tanks isn't generally suitable for ordinary glass bottle recycling. Small metal coils may also be unsuitable for household mixed recycling.

The simplest option is to ask your vape retailer or local recycling centre whether they accept used tanks and coils through a specialist vape recycling scheme.

Avoid breaking glass, cutting coils or dismantling sealed components to separate materials yourself.

Why Is Vape Recycling Important?

Vapes contain materials that can be recovered and reused, but improper disposal creates environmental and safety risks.

One of the biggest concerns is the lithium-ion battery found inside most vaping devices.

When discarded vapes enter household rubbish or mixed recycling, they can be damaged by collection vehicles and waste processing machinery. This can cause battery fires that threaten waste workers, damage equipment and disrupt recycling operations.

According to Recycle Your Electricals, more than six million vapes and pods are thrown away each week in the UK rather than being recycled.

Recycling helps address several environmental problems:

• Battery fire prevention: Keeping batteries out of household waste reduces the risk of fires during collection and processing.

• Resource recovery: Valuable materials, including metals and components used in batteries, can be recovered for reuse.

• Reduced electronic waste: Appropriate recycling prevents devices from being discarded with ordinary rubbish.

• Pollution prevention: Specialist processing helps manage materials and residues that could otherwise harm the environment.

Although rechargeable and reusable devices can reduce the need to replace an entire vape after use, they still require responsible disposal when they eventually stop working.

What Happens To Vapes After Recycling?

Once a vape is collected, it is sent to an appropriate recycling or treatment facility.

The exact process varies according to the device, its battery construction and the equipment available, but typically involves several stages.

1. Collection and sorting: Vapes are collected separately from general household waste and transported for specialist processing.

2. Battery removal: Batteries are identified and removed by trained personnel where necessary.

3. Material separation: Devices are dismantled or processed to separate metals, plastics and other components.

4. Material recovery: Recoverable materials are sent for further processing so they can be used in manufacturing.

5. Treatment of remaining waste: Materials that cannot be recovered are managed through suitable waste treatment routes.

Not every component of a vape can necessarily be recycled. However, appropriate collection and processing help recover useful resources while managing batteries and other potentially hazardous materials safely.

You can find more information about the process in the Recycle Your Electricals recycling guide.

How To Reduce Vape Waste

Recycling is important, but making the most of your existing vaping equipment can also help reduce unnecessary waste.

There are several practical ways to extend the lifespan of a rechargeable vape and limit the number of components you need to replace.

Maintain Your Vape Kit

Taking proper care of your vape can help extend its working lifespan.

Regularly cleaning removable connections, following the manufacturer's charging instructions and replacing worn components when needed can reduce unnecessary device replacements.

It's also worth using coils within their recommended wattage ranges and avoiding leaving your device exposed to excessive heat or moisture.

Avoid Replacing Working Equipment Unnecessarily

If your vape isn't performing as expected, the problem may be a worn coil, damaged pod or poor connection rather than a faulty device.

Check the manufacturer's troubleshooting guidance before replacing the entire kit.

If a component is replaceable and safe to change, doing so may allow you to continue using the main device for longer.

Never attempt to repair or reuse a damaged lithium-ion battery.

Summary

Recycling your vape helps prevent battery fires, reduces electrical waste and allows valuable materials to be recovered.

Whether you have a disposable vape, rechargeable pod kit or removable battery, the most important rule is to keep electrical components and batteries out of household rubbish and mixed recycling.

Use an appropriate vape retailer take-back service, household waste recycling centre or designated electrical recycling point. If your device has a built-in battery, recycle the complete unit rather than attempting to dismantle it.

To find somewhere nearby, visit Recycle Your Electricals and enter your postcode.

For more advice about vaping equipment, browse our Beginner's Guide To Vaping, or contact Vape Superstore for assistance.