How to Recycle Vapes: A Simple Guide to Vaping More Sustainably

We all know it’s time to take better care of the planet—and the good news is, even your vape habits can play a part. Whether it’s plastic, lithium batteries, or old e-liquid bottles, vaping products can and should be recycled.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to reduce your impact and responsibly recycle your vape devices, disposables, and bottles, so you can enjoy vaping while staying eco-conscious.

Why Disposable Vapes Are on the Way Out

Disposable vapes are handy—especially if you’re new to vaping or need a quick replacement when you're out. But they come at a cost far beyond their price tag. In 2023 alone, 5 million disposable vapes were thrown away every week in the UK. That’s eight vapes a second!

Each one contains plastic, packaging, and a lithium battery. That lithium alone could help produce thousands of electric car batteries. But instead, most end up in landfill where they not only waste precious resources but can also pose fire risks when mishandled by waste processing systems.

With all that in mind, it’s no surprise that the UK will ban the sale of disposable vapes from June 2025.

How to Recycle Vape Products the Right Way

Whether it’s a disposable, a rechargeable device, or your old vape juice bottles—recycling options are out there. Here’s where to start:

1. Local Recycling Centres

Vapes are classed as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), just like phones and laptops. That means many council-run recycling centres are equipped to accept them.

We recommend checking your local council’s website first to make sure they take vapes, then just drop them into the correct bin or skip when you next visit.

2. Battery Collection Points

You’ve probably seen battery bins at supermarkets, hardware stores, or shopping centres. Some of these also accept single-use vapes, but not all.

Important: Never drop vapes into battery bins unless the signage says it’s allowed. Incorrect disposal can contaminate recycling streams, or worse, cause a fire.

3. In-store at Time2Vape

Many specialist vape shops, like ours, will help you recycle your old kits. If you’ve purchased from us, pop into our store and we’ll help you recycle your old vapes responsibly.

Recycling Reusable Kits & E-Liquid Bottles

Switching to a refillable vape kit is the best way to cut down on waste. These devices can be recharged hundreds (sometimes thousands) of times before they need replacing—and cost far less in the long run compared to disposables.

But even reusable kits and bottles create some waste over time. Here’s how to handle that responsibly:

Old Vape Devices

If you’ve upgraded or your device is no longer working, treat it like any small electrical item. Most of the recycling options we’ve mentioned—council sites, WEEE bins, or your vape store—can take care of it.

E-Liquid Bottles

Most e-liquid bottles are made of recyclable plastic, but a few extra steps make a big difference:

• Remove the label: Soaking in warm water helps if it's stubborn.
  
• Take off the nozzle: This makes the bottle easier to clean and process. 
• Rinse thoroughly: Leftover e-liquid can contaminate recycling batches—so give it a good wash with warm, soapy water. 
• Recycle as usual: Once clean, they can go in your household recycling bin.

Why Vape Recycling Matters

Recycling your vape gear helps: 

• Cut down on plastic waste that takes centuries to break down
  
• Reduce the demand for new plastics made from fossil fuels
  
• Recover and reuse lithium, a valuable and limited resource
  
• Prevent fires and hazards in waste management facilities

It’s not just good for the planet, it’s common sense.

Looking Ahead: Life After Disposables

With the disposable ban fast approaching, now’s the perfect time to upgrade to a reusable pod kit or customisable vape device. You’ll get a smoother, cheaper, and more sustainable vape experience without sacrificing flavour or convenience.

Still have questions? Get in touch, we’re always happy to help you make the switch sustainably.