The rise of vaping has brought unintended environmental challenges. Disposable vapes especially, have been contributing to concerning levels of electronic and plastic waste, while improper disposal of vaping products in general, harms ecosystems through the spread of dangerous chemicals. Vape batteries for instance, may leak toxic metals and pods contain hazardous materials unsuitable for regular recycling.
According to 2023 data from UK recycling campaign group Material Focus, which surveyed 5,156 individuals, around 30 million disposable vapes were bought each month. The researchers reported that of these, approximately five million were being discarded every week, and only 17% of the discarded vapes were being properly recycled. The report had suggested that the annual waste from these vapes could supply batteries for 5,000 electric vehicles.
Sustainibility not prohibition
In fact, many policymakers have referred to these issues to justify sweeping bans on the products. However, tobacco harm reduction experts have argued that given the science indicating the effectivity of the products for smoking cessation, bans are not the answer.Â
Sustainable solutions, such as recycling schemes, are needed instead.
During a GFN2023 workshop discussing vape waste, “Reducing the environmental impacts in tobacco harm reduction,” Australian tobacco treatment expert Dr. Colin Mendelsohn, had highlighted that the issue is unfortunately being leveraged to challenge tobacco harm reduction efforts. The panel had also emphasized the need to assess vaping and safer nic alternatives in relation to smoking’s much larger environmental footprint, including cigarette waste and land use.
Recycling vape devices would mitigate their environmental impact, conserve valuable resources, and prevent hazardous materials from contaminating the planet. A new initiative launched in Québec, Canada, offers an exemplary solution for recycling vaping devices, by providing adult consumers with a responsible way to recycle used vapes, including batteries and components.
Ongoing recycling initiatives
Spearheaded by Call2Recycle, a Canadian battery collection and recycling organization, the program was launched on January 1st, 2025. “Recycle Your Vapes,” is Canada’s first of its kind, developed in partnership with leading vape manufacturers with an emphasis on the need for environmentally safe disposal methods to minimize harmful waste impacts.
Recycle Your Vapes has created a network of collection points, currently available in nearly 200 participating vape shops, municipal eco-centres, and other waste facilities, with plans underway to expand locations throughout 2025. Collected devices, including batteries, pods, and cartridges, are processed by recycling partners to recover reusable materials and ensure environmentally sound disposal.
Being ahead of the game, in 2019 a collaboration between two major vape brands in New Zealand, and recycling giant TerraCycle introduced a program enabling customers to drop off e-cigarette waste from Vapo and Alt products at any Vapo store for recycling. The initiative has since expanded, allowing vapers to dispose of their waste conveniently from home.
While as of early 2024, UK vape retailers are obliged to provide recycling facilities for vapes on a one-for-one basis, meaning they must accept a used vape when a customer buys a new one. This requires stores to have designated in-store bins for disposal. However, John Dunne, Director General of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), has recently pointed out ongoing issues with non-compliance among retailers and manufacturers.
Incentivising the vaping industry to be more sustainable
Addressing the environmental impact of vapes requires urgent action. Raising awareness is crucial, but manufacturers should be incentivized to take responsibility for the waste their products generate. Implementing recycling programs and sustainable designs would reduce harm. Stricter regulations and industry accountability are essential to ensuring a greener future for vaping and the planet. Governments could promote sustainability by implementing licensing programs for vape retailers and manufacturers, mandating them to provide take-back facilities for used products.
Source: https://www.vapingpost.com/