⚠️ Vapes & e-cigarettes: hazardous waste. Vapes contain a lithium battery (fire risk) plus nicotine residue, which is a toxic hazardous material. Never put it in the regular trash — use a facility or take-back below.
Best ways to dispose of vapes & e-cigarettes (best → last resort)
Retail take-backWhere available
Some vape shops and refill stations accept used devices and pods for proper disposal — ask where you buy them. This is the easiest safe option.
Hazardous-waste facilityStandard
A vape is BOTH e-waste (lithium battery) and hazardous waste (nicotine). Take it to a household hazardous waste (HHW) or e-waste drop-off — the same place you take batteries and electronics. If the battery is removable, tape its terminals.
How to prepare it
Do not try to pry a disposable vape apart to remove the battery — the battery can be damaged and catch fire.
Keep used vapes out of reach of children and pets (nicotine is toxic).
Don't
NEVER put a vape in the trash or recycling — the lithium battery can spark a fire in the truck or facility, and the nicotine is a hazardous contaminant.
Never flush a vape or pour vape liquid down a drain.
Find a drop-off near you
Acceptance varies by city — always check your local program first.
What's the best way to dispose of vapes & e-cigarettes?
Retail take-back (where available): Some vape shops and refill stations accept used devices and pods for proper disposal — ask where you buy them. This is the easiest safe option.
Can you put vapes & e-cigarettes in the trash?
No — this is hazardous and should not go in the regular trash. NEVER put a vape in the trash or recycling — the lithium battery can spark a fire in the truck or facility, and the nicotine is a hazardous contaminant.
Where can I recycle vapes & e-cigarettes near me?
Search a drop-off with the Earth911 locator or "battery e-waste hazardous waste drop-off near me." Acceptance varies by city, so confirm with your local program.