Disposable Vape
Collection & Recycling
by Wastecare
COLLECT. RECOVER. RECYCLE.
If your company sells e-cigarettes or vapes, you are legally obligated to implement an in-store vape takeback scheme.
We are here to help.
Your vape takeback obligation as a UK vape retailer
Under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations in the UK, vape retailers will no longer be a part of the Distributor Takeback Scheme. Instead, all retailers selling vapes are obligated to provide customers with a service for the proper disposal of their vapes and e-cigs from 1st April 2024.
Retailers will be required to takeback vapes that offer the same function as those they sell in store – which is determined by functionality not brand. The return of vapes is on a ‘one for one’ basis, however this must be a free of charge service.
To set up a recycling service retailers must have an appropriate collection point in-store, and partner with an authorised waste management provider to ensure the safe disposal and recycling of the collected vapes. We would encourage retailers to enquire with their vape supplier(s) to establish if they have a vape collection scheme already in place.
Failure to adhere to these regulations not only exposes retailers to potential legal repercussions, but also continues to contribute to the environmental degradation caused by vapes thrown into general waste.
VAPE COLLECTION POINTS
How to set up your vape collection & recycling service
If you sell vapes, by law you have to offer a like-for-like takeback service for customers to dispose of their vapes.
Wastecare have currently rolled out 8,000+ vape collection bins nationwide. We have designed three battery collection containers to accommodate retailer floor or counter space requirements, capable of safely collecting a large volume of vapes:
- 5 litre vape collection buckets (pack of 4)
- 15 litre vape collection tubes
- 30 litre vape collection drums
These are available to purchase by both individual retailers or vape producers who wish to roll out a takeback scheme across their distributor network.
Raising Consumer Awareness
While vape takeback requirements place obligations on retailers, raising consumer awareness is equally critical in ensuring the success of these initiatives.
Many vapers may be unaware of the environmental impact of their discarded devices or the availability of takeback programs. Wastecare have developed a catalogue of vape takeback POS, including an awareness poster which must be displayed in-store.
Vape retailers have a unique opportunity to educate their customers about the importance of proper disposal and recycling. This can be achieved through various channels, including in-store signage, social media campaigns, and informational materials provided with purchases.
VAPE IMPORTERS & PRODUCERS
You may need to join a WEEE Producer Compliance Scheme
If you manufacture or import vapes onto the UK market, you may need to register as an EEE producer and enrol with a Producer Compliance Scheme.
- If you place more than 5 tonnes of EEE on the UK market in a compliance year, you’re a large producer and must register with a producer compliance scheme
- As a part of the Wastecare Group, Wastecare Compliance can help vape producers and distributors meet their obligations via our nationwide collection points
- We publish our recycling evidence prices online to ensure complete transparency
Speak to our WEEE Producer Compliance team today to discuss your obligation.
Vape Collection FAQs
What vapes can be collected?
Both disposable and reusable vapes can be collected. We would encourage consumers to disassemble their reusable vapes where possible, and deposit the separate battery into a specific battery collection bin if available.
How often do vape bins need to be collected?
It is the retailer’s responsibility to organise a collection with Wastecare once their bin is nearly full. We would recommend organising scheduled collection when a store’s average collection volume has been established. Call 0800 091 0000 to organise a collection.
Do the vape collection bins need to contain vermiculite?
No. Vermiculite when used to mitigate the risks associated with lithium-based batteries is used as a separation material to prevent ignition upon contact with one another. Upon assessment, the same risks do not apply to vapes as the lithium battery and their terminals are enclosed.
What happens to the vapes once they are collected?
Currently, many vape recyclers are having to dismantle vapes by hand in order to retrieve the lithium battery, nicotine fluid and filters for recycling and/or recovery.
This process is resource-heavy and expensive, therefore we are currently trialling a mechanised dismantling process for vapes into order to keep our costs low and increase efficiency.
Who we are
Waste can be difficult and often hazardous - but managing it shouldn’t be.
For over 40 years, we’ve been innovating how hazardous and difficult waste is managed across the UK.
Our expertise in recycling, re-using, and repurposing, has enabled us to manage thousands of waste streams from all commercial and industrial sectors – regardless of volume or type.
We will collect & recycle your store's vape takeback
Efficiency and ease of use has been the key motivator behind how we run our takeback initiatives. We have mirrored our vape collection process on our well-established WEEE and battery takeback services, and adoption of this new service has been extremely encouraging.
Collecting and recycling vapes is paramount to reducing the number ending up in landfill and polluting UK soil and waterways, along with ensuring the safety of those working in recycling centres. Wastecare will continue to grow and evolve our vape takeback services as WEEE regulations on the issue come into fruition. Unfortunately, despite a disposable vape ban being proposed in 2025, we know that illegal vapes are likely to remain on the market – and likely disposed of incorrectly. We need to ensure the infrastructure is there to capture these vapes across the UK’s network of producers and retailers.
For more information on Wastecare’s vape takeback services, please get in touch with the team at sales.enquiries@wastecare.co.uk, or call 0800 091 0000.
Other waste streams we typically manage include:
Chemicals
Waste Effluent
WEEE
Batteries
Contaminated Materials
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The system ensures total transparency showing our clients the same data that we can see internally; giving access to online quotations, material analysis, duty of care information, scanned documentation, electronic invoices and statements and asset lists.
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