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Recycling

What happens to vapes at the end of their usable life?

Is anyone currently recycling vapes?

Where can they be dropped off for proper disposal?

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Why aren't vapes being recycled?

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Currently, there sadly is no comprehensive, end-to-end recycling infrastructure for vapes or e-cigarettes. Their components contain a variety of mixed materials, which creates a complicated, recycling headache. Those components include: 

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  • A cartridge holding e-liquid

  • E-liquid containing propylene glycol, nicotine or THC

  • Atomizer for heating the liquid

  • Microprocessor

  • Lithium-ion rechargeable battery

  • LED light

  • Mouthpiece 

  • Plastic casing

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This combination of plastic, metal, and hazardous materials makes separating out any recyclable materials incredibly difficult (not to mention the devices are designed to not be broken apart). Theoretically, if the parts could be separated, the electronic components could be taken to a recycling facility that accepts e-waste. However, because the devices are small and have plastic mixed in with their coils and sensors, separation is very difficult if not sometimes impossible. Disassembly also poses a risk of spilling the e-liquid.

 

The e-liquid, which often reaches shelves illegally and without FDA approval, is considered an acute hazardous waste material by the EPA because of the nicotine it contains. Hazardous waste and cannabis waste also have different recycling requirements - but a vape can fall into both categories. Even if the batteries haven't touched cannabis, the batteries are often cased in non-recyclable plastic, and there is little value incentive to strip the devices into their recyclable parts. The nicotine found in vapes can be poisonous to people, pets, and wildlife - so don't dispose of it in the garbage and never rinse it down the drain!

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73.7% of e-cigarette owners said it was difficult to find drop-off sites for their devices.

What happens to vapes at the end of their life cycle?

Though not ideal, some vapes have been sent to an incinerator to keep them out of the landfill. 

costly

Where can used vapes be dropped off?

The government and manufacturers of vapes provide very little in terms of resources to properly dispose of these products. One company, TerraCycle, recycles a few e-cigarette products: VEEBA devices, HEETS sticks, VEEV devices and batteries, and empty vape cartridges/pods. This mail-back program is free to consumers, though the devices accepted are limited. 

Vapes can also be sent to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). The DEA has prescription drug take-back events to mitigate drug abuse, and in 2020 added vapes and cartridges to its acceptable materials. Check their website to find a take-back event near you: DEA Take-Back Day.

Is there a better long-term solution?

Consumers are ultimately responsible for disposing of the products we use. If you are not satisfied with the available options for discarding vape/e-cigarette products, there are some things you can do: 
 

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