Vape Waste

A 2024 survey carried out by Coyne Research for ERP Ireland of 1,000 adults found a third of people incorrectly believe vapes can be disposed of in the normal refuse bin, while one in five said they put them in their domestic recycling bin. Source: Irish Examiner.

A 2023 study by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research found that roughly 844 million vapes are disposed of every year, equaling the weight of six Eiffel Towers. Wow! Its also worth noting, vape devices contain lithium, considered by the European Commission a ‘strategic raw material’ crucial to the EU’s economy and green energy transition, but supplies are at risk. Really it needs to be recovered and recycling safely really helps.

Vapes Sales

According to figures for the Irish grocery trade compiled by Nielsen IQ, in the year ending May 2021 there were 5.6 million units of vape sold. One year later, that had jumped 44 per cent to 8.06 million. In the year ending May 2023, that figure had more than trebled to 26.3 million sales as published in the Irish Times.

What are Vapes?

Vapes and e-cigarettes are electronic devices that simulate tobacco smoking and are said to have fewer toxins than cigarette smoke. They consist of an atomizer, a power source (usually a battery), and a container for the liquid (cartridge or tank). Instead of smoke, users inhale vapor. At 26.3 million sales that a lot of batteries for safe recycling?

Recycling Vapes

It is possible to recycle single use vapes and reusable e-cigarette devices in Ireland. This service is provided free of charge by WEEE Ireland

Disposable and rechargeable vapes or e-cigarette devices can be recycled using WEEE Ireland Blue Battery Boxes. These can be found at local recycling centres, newsagents, supermarkets, and workplaces. These collection boxes can be found across Ireland.

Products that are battery-powered often include a symbol of a crossed-out wheelie bin. This is to signify that they should not be placed in household waste bin or green bin. 

Disposable vapes are not required to take them apart recycled as one unit.

Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency categories disposable vapes and e-cigarette products as electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). This means that retailers are legally required to accept them for collection. If you would like to recycle you vape, you could also return it to whatever shop you purchased it from and ask them to take it.

Vape Components

Battery: The battery in a vape device is a lithium-ion battery, which should be recycled properly. Many electronic stores or recycling centres including Recycle IT accept lithium-ion batteries for recycling.

Metal Parts: Metal components like the coil, casing, and other parts can usually be recycled with other metal items. Check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept these materials. Again, Recycle IT will accept metal components.

E-liquid Bottles: If you’re using refillable e-liquid bottles, they can usually be recycled with other plastic containers. Make sure to rinse them out thoroughly before recycling.

E-Waste Compliance: Many areas have specific locations for electronic waste (e-waste), which may accept vape devices. Check with your local authority or your local recycling centre for options.

Disposal: If you’re unable to recycle your vape components, make sure to dispose of them properly. Do not throw them in the green or black bin, as they can end up in landfills and harm the environment. Instead, look for electronic waste disposal facilities or programs in your area.

Remember: Disposable vapes are not required to taken apart. They can be recycled as one unit but not in the green or black bin. Please dispose of your vape responsibly.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT, are a social enterprise offering electrical, electronic and metal recycling. Services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT are supported by Pobal, the Dormant Accounts Fund, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Leinster.

For further details about our services call us on 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit the Recycle IT website at www.recycleit.ie

Learn more about WEEE Ireland Vape Recycling here.