Let’s be honest — disposables are convenient, flavourful, and for many people, the easiest way to switch from smoking. But there’s one big issue that comes up in the shop almost every day:
“What am I actually supposed to do with these when I’m done?”
And if your current method involves tossing it in the bin... don’t worry, you’re not alone. But we need to talk.
Disposable vapes contain batteries, plastic, metal, and circuit boards — all of which can (and should) be recycled properly. The good news? There are now clearer ways than ever to recycle your vape responsibly in the UK — and I’m going to walk you through how to do it right.
Why You Shouldn’t Bin Your Vape
First, let’s break down what’s inside a disposable vape like a Lost Mary BM600 or Elf Bar 600:
- Lithium battery (yep, even in a tiny vape)
- Plastic and metal casing
- Circuit board and internal wiring
- Cotton saturated with residual e-liquid
None of this should be going into household waste. Why?
- Batteries can leak or catch fire in landfill sites
- Toxic waste risk from leftover nicotine
- Unrecycled plastic = more pollution
- It’s a massive waste of valuable materials
I always say: if it lights up or charges, it doesn’t belong in your kitchen bin.
So Where Should Disposables Go?
Here’s how to dispose of your vape the right way:
🔋 1. Battery Recycling Points (Most UK Supermarkets)
Vapes count as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). That means they can go in battery recycling bins, which you’ll find at:
- Tesco
- Sainsbury’s
- Asda
- Co-op
- Lidl
- Local recycling centres
Just pop your used device in the same bin you’d use for old AA batteries — easy.
🛍️ 2. Vape Shop Take-Back Schemes
More and more vape shops (including us!) now have recycling drop-off points for used disposables and empty pods.
Ask your local shop if they accept returns — chances are, they’ll be more than happy to help. It also gives us a chance to recommend a refillable upgrade, just saying. 😉
🏠 3. Council Recycling Centres
Your local recycling centre will almost certainly have a dedicated section for:
- Small electrical items
- Batteries
- Hazardous waste
Search your local council’s website and check what’s accepted. Most have drop-off areas specifically for vapes now — especially with the rising volume.
👉 Find your local site via Recycle Now
Tips to Make Vape Recycling Easier
- Collect used vapes in a tub at home, then drop off once a week
- Keep them dry — don’t rinse or wash them, just store safely
- Remove packaging if you’re using battery bins
- Don’t crush them — damaged batteries can be dangerous
And please, for the love of all things plastic, don’t throw them in rivers, bushes, or gutters. You’d be surprised what we’ve found behind the shop.
Better Yet: Make the Switch to Refillables
If you’re burning through multiple disposables a week, consider this your gentle nudge to switch.
A refillable pod kit like the Uwell Caliburn A3 or OXVA Xlim Pro 2 will:
- Save you money long-term
- Reduce plastic and battery waste
- Still give you that same great flavour (with bar salt nic juices)
- Take minutes to set up
We’ve helped loads of people make the switch — and no one ever says they miss the bin full of dead vapes.
If you’ve been chucking your vapes in the bin, you’re not alone. But now you know better — and the recycling options are out there. It only takes a few extra seconds, and it makes a real difference.
Still unsure where to drop yours? Pop in and ask — or message us. We’ll happily point you in the right direction (and show you some cleaner, greener options too).