How to Recycle Vapes: A Complete Guide for UK Vapers (Beginners & Advanced)

Vaping has helped many smokers quit traditional cigarettes, but it’s created a new challenge: vape waste. Millions of disposable vape pens and old e-cigarettes are tossed out every week, contributing to electronic waste and pollution. 

In the UK alone, an estimated five million single-use vapes are improperly discarded each week. These devices contain batteries, plastics, and metals that can harm the environment if not disposed of correctly. 

As vapers (whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned mod-user), learning how to recycle vapes properly is crucial. Not only will you be protecting the planet, but you’ll also be following legal guidelines for electronic waste. At Greet Vape, we care about sustainability, and in this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about vape recycling, from why it matters to where to recycle vapes and how to dispose of each part safely. Let’s dive in!

• Prevent Fire Hazards: Vapes contain lithium-ion batteries that can spark fires if crushed in bins. Binned vapes have caused hundreds of fires in UK waste facilities, over 1,200 fires last year were linked to discarded electronics like vapes. One report even estimates that nearly half of all waste fires in the UK are now caused by lithium batteries in devices such as vapes, reported by Benji Waste. By recycling vapes properly (instead of binning them), you keep these batteries out of the regular trash and reduce fire risks.


• Protect the Environment: Improperly disposing of vapes means toxic materials (like nicotine residue, heavy metals, and battery chemicals) can leak into soil and water. A discarded vape might seem small, but toxic metals and battery acid can harm wildlife and ecosystems if they end up in landfills. Recycling prevents this contamination and ensures hazardous components are handled safely.


• Save Valuable Resources: Every vape contains materials that can be recovered, especially metals like lithium, copper, steel, and aluminium. Lithium is a finite resource needed for electric car batteries and renewable energy storage. Shockingly, the lithium thrown away in disposable vapes each year could produce thousands of electric car batteries. UK government figures suggest that the lithium wasted annually from single-use vapes would be enough for about 5,000 EV batteries. By recycling vapes, we can reclaim these materials and reuse them, reducing the need for new mining and manufacturing.


• Legal Compliance: In the UK, vapes (whether disposable or reusable) are classified as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). This means it’s actually against regulations to throw vapes in your household bin. Retailers are required by law to take back old vapes for recycling, and specific disposal routes exist for electronics and batteries. DCW explains that by recycling your e-cigarettes and vape kits properly, you’re complying with these regulations and avoiding potential fines or issues. (The little crossed-out wheelie bin symbol on your vape means “do not bin – recycle it”.)


• Cleaner Communities: Anyone who walks around town has seen the clutter of used vape pens (especially bright disposable vapes) littering streets. Over 8 million vapes are binned weekly, and many end up as litter. Recycling helps keep our communities clean. Plus, it reinforces a culture of responsible vaping, showing that we vapers take care of our environment.

Absolutely – vapes can and should be recycled. Whether it’s a single-use disposable like an Elf Bar or Lost Mary, a refillable vape pen, or a big mod box, all types of vapes are recyclable. In fact, up to 80% of the materials in a vape can be recycled and recovered for reuse. Here’s a quick rundown of what parts of your vape are recyclable:

• Battery: Most vapes contain a lithium-ion battery (rechargeable). This is one of the most critical components to recycle. The battery can be extracted and sent to specialised battery recycling facilities where the lithium and other metals are recovered.
  If you have a device with a removable battery (like a 18650 cell in advanced mods), you can take that battery out and recycle it on its own. Never toss lithium batteries in the trash – they must go to a battery collection point or electronics recycling. We’ll explain more about battery recycling below.


• Metal Components (Coils, Wiring, Housing): Vapes contain metals such as steel, aluminium, copper, and the metal coil (often made of stainless steel or kanthal). Yes, vape coils are recyclable – you can collect your used coils and treat them as scrap metal or e-waste.
  When vapes are processed at recycling facilities, the metals are separated and sent off for smelting and recycling into new products. So, that burnt-out coil or old vape mod casing can be melted down and given a second life. (Tip: If you’re recycling coils, try to remove excess cotton and liquid, as the coil metal itself is what’s recyclable.)


• Plastic Components: Many disposable vapes and pods have plastic bodies or pieces. Most of these plastics can be recycled as long as they are correctly collected. The exterior plastic casing of a disposable vape, for example, will be sorted out at an e-waste recycling plant and sent for plastic recycling.
  Similarly, refillable e-liquid bottles (plastic bottles) are often made of recyclable plastic. We recommend rinsing them out and checking the recycling symbol (more on that later). Note: Not all tiny plastic pieces will get recycled (some small bits might be filtered out in processing), but it’s still important to include the whole device in electronics recycling so that specialised facilities can handle it.


• Glass: Some vapes (especially larger refillable tanks or certain cartridges) include glass parts (like a glass tube for the tank). If your device has any glass components, those, too, can be recycled. Glass from vapes can be sent to glass recycling once separated.
  In practice, when you drop off a whole vape for recycling, the facility will break it down, and any glass gets recycled along with other glass waste. Just be careful,if a glass tank is broken, wrap it to avoid cuts before recycling.


• Electronic Chips and Circuits: Advanced vape mods or pens have circuit boards. These are considered electronic waste that can be processed to recover metals (like copper, gold, etc.).
  When you recycle a vape device, the electronic components will be handled as e-scrap. It’s all part of WEEE recycling, and specialised recyclers can extract precious metals from circuit boards. So even the “smart” part of your vape is recyclable through proper channels.

The main non-recyclable part of most vapes is the cotton (the wicking material in coils or pods) and any residual e-liquid. The cotton or fibre in a coil is usually too contaminated and burnt to recover. Also, any leftover nicotine liquid is considered hazardous waste rather than recyclable material. But that’s okay, nearly everything else in a vape can be recycled, which is why it’s so important to dispose of vapes correctly.

Yes! Despite being marketed as “single-use” or disposable, Elf Bar, Lost Mary and similar vapes are completely recyclable from the battery to the casing. They contain the same recyclable materials (battery, plastic, metal) as any other e-cigarette. The key is that you must not throw them in a normal bin.

We’ve heard some people ask, “Are vape pens recyclable, then?” The answer is also yes – any style of vape, whether a cheap vape pen or a premium box mod, falls under e-waste that can be recycled. The process might involve dismantling the device at a recycling plant, but it can be done. In short, never assume your old vape has to go to landfill – there is always a recycling route for it.

Disposing of vapes the right way is straightforward, and it ensures your device ends up in the recycling stream instead of causing harm. Follow these simple steps to recycle your vapes safely:

• Don’t Trash It – Separate It: First and foremost, never throw vapes in your household rubbish bin or roadside recycling bin. A used vape is not regular trash due to the battery and electronics. Even a small disposable can cause big problems in a garbage truck or at a landfill (fire risk, leakage). So, when your vape is finished or broken, set it aside. Keep a small box or bag at home specifically for old electronics or batteries.
  
  You can toss your used vapes, spent pods, and used-up coils in there instead of the bin. This keeps them out of general waste until you’re ready to recycle. (Think of it like this: you wouldn’t toss your old mobile phone or a battery pack in the kitchen bin – a vape is no different.)


• Remove the Battery if Possible: If you’re using a device that allows battery removal (such as a mod with 18650 batteries or a vape pen with a removable cell), take the battery out once the device is ready to be recycled. Dispose of the battery separately through battery recycling channels.
  
  Most supermarkets and electronics stores in the UK have little collection tubes or battery recycling bins for old batteries; you’ve probably seen these for AA batteries, etc. You can drop your vape’s lithium battery there for proper handling.
  
  Important: Make sure to tape over the battery terminals or put each battery in a plastic bag before dropping it in a battery bin – this prevents any chance of short-circuits or fires during collection.

What if the battery is built-in?

Many disposable vapes and some pod kits have internal batteries that you can’t easily remove. In that case, leave the battery inside the vape and recycle the whole device as e-waste (don’t try to pry it out with tools unless you’re experienced, as puncturing a lithium cell is dangerous). The recycling facility will safely remove the battery for you. (Never toss an intact vape into a normal battery bin if it still has all its other parts attached; battery bins are meant for batteries only. If you can’t separate it, bring the whole vape to an e-waste drop-off as described next.)

• Use Designated Vape Recycling Options: Now that you’ve set aside your old vapes (battery removed if applicable), it’s time to take them to a proper recycling point. You have a few convenient options in the UK for recycling vapes:


• Return to a Vape Retailer: Many vape shops and major retailers have started providing vape recycling bins in-store. In fact, under UK law (WEEE regulations), any retailer that sells vapes is obligated to accept returns of old vapes and vape parts for recycling. It should be as easy as walking into your local vape shop and dropping your used device into a collection box.
  
  For example, Greet Vape (as an online shop) encourages users to send devices for proper disposal, and other companies like Totally Wicked have vape drop-off points in over 150 stores nationwide Even big chains you might not expect – like Currys, B&Q, and some supermarkets (e.g. Waitrose) – participate in take-back programs for small electronics, including vapes. So, the next time you visit a shop to buy a new vape or batteries, ask if they have a recycling box – chances are they do.
  
  (Pro tip: If staff seem unsure, mention that it’s a legal take-back scheme for electronics. Many stores are catching up with the vape recycling requirement.)


• Use a Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC): Every locality in the UK has one or more council-run recycling centres (the “tip”) where residents can drop off all sorts of recyclable materials and waste. Vapes are accepted at these centres as small electrical appliances. Look for the section or bin for WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) – this is where e-cigarettes should go. If there’s a separate bin for batteries, you can put the vape’s battery there (as mentioned), but generally, you can hand over the whole device at the electronics section.
  
  Some councils even have special vape recycling bins at their sites now, due to the surge in disposable vape waste. If you’re not sure, check your local council’s website for guidance on vape or battery disposal – many have a page explaining that vapes can be taken to the recycling centre. For instance, councils in London and other big cities advise bringing vapes to these centres or returning to retailers. This option is great if you’ve accumulated a bunch of devices; you can make one trip and drop them all off properly.


• Electronics Retailers (>400m²): By law, large electronics retailers (shops over 400 m² in size) must accept small electronics for recycling – even if you didn’t buy the item there. This means you can also bring your old vape to big tech stores or hardware stores that have WEEE drop-off points.
  For example, Currys PC World often has bins for old electronics at the entrance, and they will take e-cigarettes and batteries as part of their recycling service. If you work in a city centre, you might find it convenient to pop into such a store with your used vape on a lunch break to dispose of it.


• Community Recycling Programs: There are also growing initiatives and specialised services for vape recycling. Some waste management companies and charities have started campaigns to collect vapes (Material Focus’s Recycle Your Electricals campaign is one, offering a postcode locator for e-waste drop-off points).
  In some areas, you might even find vape recycling bins in public places – for example, near universities or on high streets – though these are not yet widespread. Always use official and safe collection points; don’t just leave a vape on top of a random battery bin unless it’s explicitly marked for vapes.


• Mail-in Schemes: A few vape manufacturers or independent programs have offered mail-in recycling for vapes and pods (TerraCycle ran a program for certain brands like JUUL cartridges in the past). Check if your vape brand has a recycling program. If so, they will provide instructions on how to send in used devices or cartridges. This isn’t very common yet, but it’s worth keeping an eye on as sustainability becomes a bigger focus in the industry.

• Handle E-Liquid and Pods Properly: If your device has any leftover e-liquid or if you’re disposing of separate vape pods/cartridges, take a moment to prepare them. Empty any excess e-liquid out of tanks or pods – don’t pour nicotine liquid down the drain, though, as it’s toxic to the environment. Instead, you can absorb it with paper towels or sawdust and then dispose of those in general waste (sealed in a bag). For closed pods that are mostly empty, it’s usually fine to recycle them as is, but if there’s a lot of liquid, seal them in a container and inquire at the recycling centre – they might handle it as hazardous waste.
  
  Rinse out e-liquid bottles or pods with water before recycling to remove residue. This protects recycling workers and ensures the plastic or glass isn’t contaminated. Used pods and cartridges are recyclable (they’re small, but they count as electronic waste). In short: drain and clean what you can, then recycle the components appropriately.
  
  If you have a bunch of plastic e-juice bottles, those can go into regular household recycling if empty and clean (check the bottom of the bottle for a recycling symbol)\\. Caps might need to be removed if they are a different type of plastic. Alternatively, some vape shops will collect empty juice bottles for recycling, too.

• Recycle, Don’t Dismantle (Unless You Have To): Some advanced vapers might wonder if they should take apart a disposable vape themselves to recycle each piece (for instance, removing the battery, separating the plastic shell, etc.). In general, you do not need to dismantle vape devices yourself fully – and doing so can be risky. Groups like Material Focus and recycling experts advise against manually prying apart single-use vapes because of the fire hazard if the battery is accidentally punctured. It’s best to leave the disassembly to professionals at recycling facilities. The only exception is the battery removal step we mentioned for devices designed to have removable batteries.
  
  Otherwise, just drop off the whole vape (intact) at a proper facility or bin. The recyclers have tools to safely break it down. This makes your life easier and keeps you safe. If you are curious: at the recycling plant, they will shred or break open the vape, take out the battery for specialised processing, sort the plastics and metals, and recycle each material stream accordingly. Everything from the coil to the casing will be sorted out. So you’re not “doing it wrong” by handing in a full device – you’re doing exactly the right thing.
  
  By following the steps above, you’ll dispose of your vapes in a safe, responsible way. In summary: collect your used vapes, don’t throw them in the bin, and bring them to a retailer or recycling centre that can handle them. It’s as easy as ABC – Ask if the battery can be removed, Bag or set aside the device, and Check for your nearest recycling point. Next, we’ll look at some specific components and questions that vapers often have about recycling.

Different parts of your vaping setup might raise questions about how to recycle them. Let’s break down the everyday vape products and parts – and the proper way to recycle each one:

• Vape Batteries: The battery is the heart of your device and the most crucial part to recycle. Whether it’s the built-in battery from a disposable or the removable 18650/21700 cell from your mod, do not throw vape batteries in the trash or in your regular recycling bin. Lithium batteries can go in battery recycling boxes found in supermarkets, electronics retailers, and recycling centres.
  
  Many vapers ask, “Can vapes go in battery recycling bins?” You should only put the battery itself (not the whole device) into those battery collection bins. So, if you can take the battery out safely, drop it in a battery bin. If you cannot remove it, bring the entire vape to a WEEE drop-off as discussed. Remember to tape the terminals of loose batteries.
  
  Where to recycle vape batteries? – virtually any place that accepts batteries: grocery stores (often near the entrance), household recycling centres, or dedicated battery recyclers. By recycling your vape’s battery, you prevent fire risks and allow the recovery of metals like lithium and cobalt. (Quick fact: The lithium from a single disposable vape is small, but collectively UK vapers throw away 10 tonnes of lithium a year in vapes – enough for thousands of car batteries! Recycling batteries helps reclaim this.)

• E-Liquid Bottles (Vape Juice Bottles): Empty vape juice bottles can often be recycled with regular plastics or glass, depending on the material. Most 10ml nicotine e-liquid bottles in the UK are made of plastic (often recyclable plastic like PET or HDPE). Larger shortfill bottles are also usually plastic, and some premium e-liquids come in glass bottles. Yes, you can recycle vape juice bottles.
  
  The process is simple: make sure the bottle is empty, rinse it out to remove any leftover liquid or sticky residue, and remove the cap if it’s a different type of plastic or material. The cap (and the little nozzle if separate) might not be recyclable in normal streams unless specified, but many caps are also plastic that can be recycled; check your local guidelines. Once clean, you can put the bottle in your household recycling bin (if your council accepts that type of plastic) or drop it at a plastic recycling point. It’s a good idea to check the triangle recycling symbol on the bottle: if it’s #1 (PET) or #2 (HDPE), it’s widely recyclable. If it’s another number, consult local advice.
  
  Pro tip: Some vape shops run programs to collect and recycle juice bottles. For example, one UK vape retailer launched a “recycle & reward” scheme where customers got loyalty points for bringing back their used plastic e-liquid bottles. They offered around 2.5p–10p per bottle as an incentive to recycle, showing that even the bottles have value when recycled. So definitely don’t toss your empties – recycle them and maybe even check if your local shop has a similar program!

• Vape Coils: Can you recycle vape coils? Yes – those small metal heating elements from your tank are usually made of steel, nickel, or other recyclable metals. Once a coil is burnt out, let it cool, pat it dry (they can be a bit juice-soaked), and you can save them in a container. Because they’re tiny, you might collect a bunch of coils and then take them to an electronic waste bin or scrap metal recycling drop.
  
  Many household recycling centres accept small metal items – you can put a bag of old coils in the metal recycling skip or give them to staff if unsure. Some vapers even bring their used coils to the vape shop’s recycling bin (since coils are part of the “vape parts” that shops must accept). The key is not to throw coils in general waste. They won’t biodegrade or decompose; they’ll just sit in a landfill. Recycled coils, however, will be melted down and reused.
  
  Tip: If you rebuild your own coils, you can also recycle the scrap wire clippings – those are just metal, too.

• Disposable Pods & Cartridges: If you use pod systems (like pre-filled pods or refillable cartridges), you might wonder if those plastic pods are recyclable. The good news is yes, vape pods and cartridges can be recycled, but they require proper handling.
  
  A spent pod typically has a plastic body, maybe a bit of metal (the coil and contacts), and sometimes a tiny cotton pad. To recycle pods, try to empty out any liquid (vape it dry or carefully dump out excess into a tissue for disposal). If you’re keen, you can rinse the pod with water to remove remaining e-liquid, then let it dry. Many pods can be disassembled by pulling out the little coil and separating the pieces.
  
  The plastic shell (once clean) can go into plastic recycling if it’s a type accepted, though because of its small size, it’s often better to take pods to an electronics recycling point. The metal bits (coil) can go with metal recycling. If this sounds like too much effort, don’t worry – you can also drop the whole pod into an e-waste or WEEE recycling bin, or return them to a vape shop. Retailers are supposed to accept “vape parts” like used pods and cartridges for recycling.
  
  TerraCycle and some manufacturers have had collection schemes specifically for pods, recognising that millions are thrown away. The key takeaway: never throw pods/cartridges in the regular bin. They may be small, but they add up (and contain plastic and metals). By recycling them, you ensure the plastic gets a chance to be processed instead of polluting.
  (One example: The UK Vaping Industry Association highlighted that recycling pods is easy if you collect and bring them to a centre rather than tossing them at home)

• Vape Mods and Reusable Devices: “Recycle vape mods? – Can you recycle vape pens?”
  Absolutely yes. Your larger electronic vape devices (like box mods, vape pens, vape kits) are essentially small gadgets, and they fall under the same e-waste rules. If you have an old vape mod that no longer works or a device you don’t use, you can recycle it just like you would recycle an old phone or electronic gadget.
  
  Many vape shops will accept old kits, mods, and even accessories for recycling as part of WEEE compliance. For instance, Totally Wicked (a UK vape brand) says you can bring e-cigarette kits, tanks, and battery mods to their stores for recycling, and it doesn’t matter what brand. You can also take mods to any electronics recycling drop-off. Before recycling a reusable device, it’s a good practice to remove any batteries (if removable) and empty and clean the tank (if it has a refillable tank) so that there’s no liquid.
  
  The pros will recycle the device itself (circuitry, body). Recyclers will strip out the circuit board and wires and recover metals. In short: treat your vape mod or pen like the electronic device it is – keep it out of landfill by using retailer take-back or recycling centres. It doesn’t matter if it’s a cheap vape pen or a high-end mod – all have recyclable components. By recycling your old vape kit, you’re preventing electronic waste and maybe helping new devices be made from the materials.

• Other Vape Products: Even less obvious items like vape packaging (cardboard boxes can be recycled with paper) and silicone parts/drip tips (some mouthpieces are silicone, which typically can’t be recycled curbside, but you might find speciality recycling or you could repurpose them).

• Can vape juice bottles be recycled?
  Yes, as covered above, if plastic or glass, handle them accordingly.
  Are vape cartridges recyclable?
  Yes, cartridges (another word for certain pods or for prefilled oil carts) should be treated as e-waste or recycled by separating materials, similarly to pods. If you ever have a disposable vape that came with a charger or cables (some newer disposables are rechargeable), those cables can be reused or recycled as e-waste, too (don’t throw USB cables in the trash either). Basically, all vape-related electronics and plastics can be recycled in one way or another, except any purely organic material like cotton.

You might be thinking, This is great for the environment, but can I get anything for myself by recycling vapes? The idea of recycling vapes for money is intriguing – after all, they have lithium and metal – but for individual users, there currently aren’t many direct financial incentives.

Most recycling programs for vapes are about doing the right thing rather than making cash. You generally won’t be paid cash for dropping off a few disposables at a recycling bin. The scrap value of one vape is just too low. However, some creative schemes have popped up:

• As mentioned, vape shops might offer rewards for recycling certain items. The example of Vape and Juice in the UK showed that you could earn a few pence per returned vape juice bottle as loyalty points. A small incentive, but it encourages consistent recycling.
• A few manufacturers or retailers occasionally run promotions like “bring in X old disposables, get a discount on a new device.” Keep an eye out for these local deals – they basically reward you for recycling by giving you a price cut on something else. Greet Vape, for instance, is exploring ways to incentivise customers to send back used devices, because we truly value responsible vaping.
• If you have large quantities of vape waste (say you hosted an event and collected hundreds of used vapes), a scrap metal recycler might offer something for the bulk metal and battery materials. There are also specialised recycling companies that might handle large shipments (mainly working with businesses rather than consumers). But for the everyday vaper, the payoff is more about keeping your community clean and preventing waste.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): In the near future, regulations may force vape manufacturers to finance recycling programs (the UK’s 2025 rules will require makers and sellers to fund proper disposal of vapes). This could indirectly benefit consumers if companies set up return schemes with perks. We’ll have to see how the industry implements this.

In summary, don’t count on making money from recycling vapes – consider the real “profit” as doing good for the planet and adhering to the law. If you do stumble on a recycle-for-reward program (like bottle return points or trade-in offers), that’s a bonus! Greet Vape will always keep you informed of any such opportunities because we believe in rewarding positive actions.

Both beginners and advanced vapers have a role to play in vape recycling. Whether you’re disposing of your first simple vape pen or retiring a high-end mod, the steps are largely the same and easy to follow. By recycling vapes, you’re showing real E-E-A-T – Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness – as a consumer who cares about what happens to your products at end-of-life (and that’s something we greatly respect here at Greet Vape, UK’s premium online vape shop). More tangibly, you’re helping to tackle an urgent waste problem.

The UK government is so concerned about the environmental damage from disposable vapes that a ban on single-use vapes is slated for 2025, alongside stricter rules requiring vape companies to handle recycling. Regardless of legislation, our responsibility as vapers is clear now: never throw vapes in the bin – recycle them.

To quickly recap:

• Always dispose of vapes (and batteries, pods, coils) through proper channels. Use vape recycling bins at shops, battery bins for batteries, and council recycling centres for electronics.
• Make sure to keep vapes out of general waste to prevent fires and pollution.
• Encourage your friends and local shops: If you don’t see a vape collection point, ask about it. All vape sellers should offer take-back – sometimes all it takes is a question to prompt action.
• Stay informed: Follow updates from recycling campaigns (like Recycle Your Electricals) to find new drop-off locations or programs near you. And of course, stay tuned to Greet Vape’s blog and resources for the latest tips on sustainable vaping.

By integrating recycling into your vaping routine, you ensure that vape recycling becomes as second-nature as charging your device or buying e-liquid. Each device you recycle is one less piece of litter on the street or toxic trash in a landfill. Instead, it becomes part of new products – maybe even new vape devices, in a circular economy. At Greet Vape, we’re proud to support our customers in this effort. We hope this guide gave you the knowledge and confidence to recycle your vapes correctly.

Let’s vape responsibly and recycle diligently, for the sake of our environment, our communities, and the future of vaping. Your old vapes have value beyond their life, so make sure they end up in the right place. Happy vaping, and happy recycling!