How to Dispose of Your Vape Pen

It's not just traditional cigarettes that are causing pollution. If improperly disposed of, vape pens and their batteries also contribute to environmental damage. Getting rid of e-cigarette and vape cart batteries is crucial for protecting the environment and human health. 

Rise of Disposable Vape Pens

Disposable vape pens are becoming more popular, which creates a significant disposal issue. It's not just ecigs but also disposable THC and CBD vapes that are causing this issue.

Many of these pens end up in landfills, contributing to pollution and environmental harm. According to truthinitiative.com 49% of respondents don’t know what to do with used carts, vape batteries and disposable devices, with over half saying they throw them away in the regular trash. 

In the UK, research by Sky News and Daily Teleraph showed the number of discarded disposable vapes accounts for around 10 tonnes of lithium being sent to landfills or waste incinerators each year. This is enough of the metal to make batteries for 1,200 electric cars.

It's essential to use proper recycling facilities to ensure these devices don't poison the environment. Try to buy reusable 510 vape batteries so you create less waste. Not only is this friendlier on the environment, but it's also kinder on your wallet. Reusable vape batteries, like 510 thread batteries, can be used hundreds of times and will save you money in the long run.

Dangers of Improper Vape Pen Disposal

1. Nicotine Hazards:
   • Nicotine, including nicotine salt, is classified as hazardous waste by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Discarded vapes can lead to accidental exposure to nicotine, which can be harmful or even fatal to children, pets, and adults.
2. Environmental Impact:
   • Chemicals from improperly disposed vape pens can seep into the ground and water, harming wildlife and humans. This pollution can lead to long-term environmental damage.
3. Fire Risks:
   • Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in vape pens, can catch fire or explode if thrown in the trash. This can cause fires in landfills and recycling centers, posing risks to workers and the environment.

Proper Disposal of Vape Pen Batteries

There are several important reasons for the recycling of used batteries and vapes. Fortunately, there are a number of recycling centers and services we can use to keep these batteries out of landfills, stop them from polluting our environment, and even reclaim some of the precious chemicals and metals for use in future batteries.

1. Recycle the Device:
   • Many local pharmacies, electronic stores, and recycling centers accept vape pens for recycling. Check with your local vape shop or electronics store to see if these locations offer this service.
2. Return to Manufacturer:
   • Some manufacturers accept returned vape pens and batteries for proper disposal. Contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to return the device you used.

Safe Disposal Options

1. Smoke Shops/Dispensaries:
   • Many dispensaries and smoke shops offer recycling programs for vape pens and batteries. They may even provide rewards for recycling.
2. Retail Stores:
   • Some electronic retailers accept e-waste, including vape pens and batteries. Look for stores like Best Buy that offer this service.
3. Municipal Waste Programs:
   • Local government programs often provide drop-off locations for hazardous materials. Check your municipality's website for details.
4. Recycling Centers:
   • Take your used batteries and vape pens to a recycling center. Some centers may charge a small fee for processing.

If No Other Options Are Available

If you can't access any of the above options, you can dispose of the batteries yourself by following these steps:

1. Discharge the battery completely and let it cool.
2. Submerge it in cold salt water for two weeks. Cover them with a safety lid.
3. Wrap it in newspaper and throw it in the trash.

However, rather than disposing of these in the trash once they have been neutralized, you ca n store them in a dry place and dispose of them when you have the opportunity.

Conclusion

We only have one environment, so we need to do our best to protect it. Properly disposing of vape pens and their batteries is a small effort that can have a big impact. By taking the time to recycle or safely dispose of these items, we can prevent pollution, protect wildlife, and ensure a healthier planet for future generations. Working together, we can make sure that hazardous waste from vape pens is managed responsibly.