How to dispose of vapes and e-cigarettes safely

Find a nearby place for vapes and e-cigarettes

Set your location to search close to home. The finder only shows places linked to this item.

How to dispose of vapes and e-cigarettes safely

Take the whole device to a vape retailer or small electrical collection. Keep it out of every household bin because the battery can start a fire.

Possible recycling routes

Specialist recycling schemesElectrical recycling pointsHousehold waste recycling centresRetailer take-back points

Handle vapes and e-cigarettes safely before disposal

• Switch off rechargeable devices
• Keep the battery in place unless the product is designed for safe removal
• Keep leaking devices separate and ask staff for help

What must stay out

Keep these items separate and check the site rules before you travel.

• Do not crush, puncture or dismantle disposable vapes
• Do not put vapes in battery bins unless the point states it accepts devices
• E-liquid bottles use their material route only when empty

Types of site to check

These site types can list vapes and e-cigarettes. Each provider sets its own limits and access rules.

• Specialist recycling schemes

  Collection services for items that most household recycling bins cannot accept. Schemes can use shops, postal returns or limited public drop-off points.

• Electrical recycling points

  Drop-off points for electrical items with a plug, battery or cable. Accepted item sizes vary by site.

• Household waste recycling centres

  Council-run sites that accept many types of household recycling and waste. Local rules can cover booking, proof of address, vehicle permits and charges for some DIY waste.

• Retailer take-back points

  Shops and delivery services that take back selected products or packaging. Rules depend on the product, the retailer and whether you are buying a replacement.

Collection and take-back services

These services may offer another route when a local site does not list the item.

• Currys electrical recycling

  Currys accepts electrical items for recycling in stores and offers take-back options with some deliveries.

• Electrical retailer take-back

  Retailers can take back old electrical products under UK waste electrical rules. The service depends on the retailer and the item size.

Related item guides

• Household batteries

  Portable batteries including AA, AAA, button cells and rechargeable battery packs.

• Electrical items

  Household products with a plug, battery, cable or crossed-out wheelie bin symbol.

• Mobile phones

  Working and broken mobile phones, smartphones and their chargers.

Browse all item guides

Questions about safe vapes and e-cigarettes disposal

Where can I dispose of vapes and e-cigarettes safely?

Enter your postcode in the local finder to search specialist recycling schemes and electrical recycling points and household waste recycling centres and retailer take-back points near you. Check the provider page before you travel because item lists and access rules can change.

How should I handle vapes and e-cigarettes before disposal?

Take the whole device to a vape retailer or small electrical collection. Keep it out of every household bin because the battery can start a fire.