How and Where to Dispose of Disposable Vapes Responsibly

Disposable vapes are typically designed to be disposed of when the battery or pre-filled e-liquid runs out in the device. While, due to its name, the disposable nature of the device may come as no shock to adult users, you may still be wondering how to recycle disposable vapes - and if this is even possible.   

Fortunately, disposable vapes can - and should - be recycled. Here, we’ll take a look at what disposable vapes are made of, and where to dispose of disposable vapes properly. 

As of June 2025, the UK government has implemented a ban on disposable vapes, therefore VEEV NOW disposable vapes are no longer available for purchase in the UK.

For those wondering how to get rid of disposable vapes, it’s important to dispose of them responsibly. There are a few key steps to remember:

• Do not throw disposable vapes into the rubbish bin when you’re finished with them. If a vape isn’t disposed of properly, the batteries and e-liquid it contains are bad for the environment.
• Remove e-liquid residue, ensuring the vape is empty of e-liquid before disposal to prevent chemical leaks.
• If the vape has a removable battery, take it out and dispose of it separately in designated battery recycling bins. If the battery is built-in, recycle the entire device as e-waste.

With that in mind, can vapes be recycled? The answer is yes, they can. It might be a good idea to store your used disposable vapes in a safe place, particularly if your local recycling centre isn’t that close by. Then, when you have the time, you can take them to the centre.

Remember to check that your local recycling centre accepts vapes before taking them there.

You have different options when it comes to where to dispose of disposable vapes:

• VEEV Recycling Programme. We encourage you to return not only VEEV products but also any other brands of disposable vapes, cartridges, or pods. Check the full terms and conditions of our VEEV Recycling Programme and where the programme is available.
• Supermarkets and Battery Recycling Points. Supermarkets often provide battery recycling bins where you can drop off disposable vapes. These bins are typically located near the entrance or customer service areas.
• Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). Local councils operate HWRCs that accept small electrical items, including disposable vapes. Check your local council's website for the nearest centre and their specific recycling guidelines
• Recycling Banks. Designated recycling banks in car parks or public areas may accept small electrical items.

Whilst quitting nicotine usage altogether is the best option, you can check out more alternatives to disposable vapes, like reusable vapes, heated tobacco, or nicotine pouches.

What is a Disposable Vape?

Disposable vapes are generally small vape devices that come pre-charged and pre-filled with e-liquid. While they may work in a similar way to other vape devices, they usually don’t have buttons to press (and typically don’t need any to use the device). 

When they either run out of battery life or e-liquid, they should be disposed of responsibly. Below, we’ll look in closer detail at how these vapes can be recycled.  

What are Disposable Vapes Made Of? 

Exactly what a disposable vape is made of will depend on the product in question. That said, disposable vapes may have a plastic exterior that contains a battery, a small tank filled with e-liquid, a cotton wick and coil.

Sometimes, there might be misconceptions that vapes can’t be recycled - however, this isn’t the case. You should usually be able to take disposable vapes to your local recycling centre to dispose of them properly and responsibly. Recycling centres may not be able to recycle all of the vape components. What you’ll be able to recycle depends on the services offered by the recycling centre in question. Therefore, it’s best to check what you can and can’t take to a recycling centre before doing so.  

Smoke-free products are not risk-free and provide nicotine, which is addictive. Smoke-free products are not an alternative to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids. The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether.

This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.