Used Vape And Battery Recycling
Since day one we’ve focussed on making Vape Club a sustainable retailer that offers the biggest and best range of products. As you might already know, cigarette butts are one of the most littered items on the planet and we want to make sure that vapes don’t end up the same way. This is why we offer a free recycling scheme for all of our customers and we’d like to tell you a little more about it.
Batteries and electrical waste can’t be put into household recycling, and they definitely don’t belong on the floor. If you've purchased kits, mods or batteries from us we’ll happily take them back and make sure they’re processed properly.
The Impact Of Electrical Waste
Electrical items pose a threat to the environment if not disposed of correctly. All electrical goods will contain contaminants like lead, cadmium and mercury - including vapes - which can leach into soil and groundwater, and impact the environment and wildlife.
There’s also the waste of useful materials to consider, items like laptops, tablets and even your vape device will contain things like copper, gold and lithium. All of this means that properly recycling these items presents a number of advantages, like reducing the need for excessive energy-intensive mining.
Why Can’t Vape Kits Be Thrown Away With Household Recycling & Rubbish?
As electrical waste, vapes can’t be disposed of with household rubbish or recycling. Landfilled vapes present a risk to the environment due to the nicotine, electrical components and battery all found inside the average vape kit.
Similarly, these electrical components can’t be processed alongside household recycling, and vapes with batteries still inside present a secondary danger in that they’re liable to combust and explode if handled incorrectly.
This is why it’s vital you separate vape waste. Be on the lookout for the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol which advises that a particular item isn’t suitable for regular recycling.
Recycling & The Vape Club Takeback Scheme
There are two ways you can make sure your old vapes get treated and recycled properly.
The first method is taking advantage of our dedicated takeback scheme. We’ll recycle any vapes that you’ve purchased from us, and you can either drop them off directly at our Watford HQ or send them in via a courier if you’re not local. Once received we’ll recycle them on your behalf for free. If you’re sending them in via courier, please also include a small note reading “Please recycle these products.” Please be aware, not all couriers will accept used batteries so please check before attempting to send anything in.
As a responsible retailer, we strictly follow the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive, which allows us to play an active role in the recovery, reuse and recycling of vape products and components. We have partnered with Waste Experts who are an Approved Authorised Treatment Facility (AATF) and industry leaders in the proper recycling of vapes and e-cigarettes.
If you’re unable to drop them back to us, most large supermarket chains and some high street shops offer a battery / vape collection point that you could use when you’re doing your shopping.
How To Recycle Vape Kits
The average vape kit is made up of a combination of metal, plastic and glass - all of which can be recycled. If you're planning to take your kits down to the recycling centre, follow these steps:
1. Switch Off
If your kit can be switched off, take care of this first as it’ll make the next step easier. You can skip this step if you have an inhale-activated / buttonless vape like a disposable.
2. Disassemble
Separate your kit to make it easier for recycling. Unscrew the tank or remove the pod from the device.
3. Remove Coils & Batteries
If your kit uses a removable battery or coils these should also be taken out, as they’ll need to be recycled separately.
4. Prep The Battery
If your kit has a removable battery, take it out and cover the positive and negative terminals with tape. This stops batteries from forming a circuit when they come into contact with conductive materials – like other batteries and metal – and causing a fire.
5. Clean
Wash out your tank or pod with warm water to get it ready for recycling. Tanks should be disassembled if possible, separating the glass from the plastic / metal parts.
6. Recycle
Your vape is now ready for recycling. All devices (including disposables), pods with built-in coils, and any used coils must go into specialised WEEE waste bins - not your household recycling bins. Separated batteries can go into specific battery bins and any other item should go into the usual metal, plastic or glass recycling bins.
How To Recycle E-Liquid?
Every e-liquid bottle we stock is recyclable and getting them ready for recycling is really easy. Empty bottles should be washed out thoroughly with some warm water, and then they can be added to your usual plastic recycling or taken to your local waste centre. Alternatively, you can send them to us.
What About Disposable Vapes?
Disposable vapes can be a little trickier to recycle but options like Slix and Roar feature removable batteries that can be separated from the device and you can recycle them like a standard vape kit.
Here’s some advice on what to do with other brands of disposable
- Don't litter disposable vapes.
- Don't attempt to disassemble a disposable yourself.
- Do put your disposables in a battery or electrical recycling bin.
If you're looking to move away from disposables, there are literally hundreds of alternatives that are kinder to the planet and your wallet.
Prefilled pods are just as simple to use as disposables and can even be recharged - saving you money and generating less waste in the process. If you're looking to increase your "green credentials'' check out refillable pods and vape pens.
Vape Club BPRN Number: BPRN07606
