How to Dispose of Disposable Vapes UK
Our Guide On How to Dispose of Disposable Vapes UK
Are you an eco-conscious vaper concerned about the toll your disposable vapes are taking on the environment? If so, you might find yourself wondering how to dispose of disposable vapes properly.
Disposable vapes have become all the rage over the past couple of years, with many beginners and even some experienced vapers now turning to these super-convenient throw-away devices. But considering they’re made from robust plastics and heavy metals, there are some concerns they aren’t the most environmentally-friendly option out there.
Disposable Vape Materials
Disposable vapes are pretty straight-forward devices with only a few components. Most of them have just a plastic exterior, a battery, a small tank where the liquid is stored, a cotton wick and a coil.
The one bad thing about disposable vapes is although they offer great convenience, they aren’t exactly made with the environment in mind. The reason we say this is the components are built-in, meaning they can’t be replaced, and the materials used to build the devices are also quite difficult to recycle .
How to Dispose of Disposable Vapes UK
If you’re short on time then one way to ensure your disposable vapes are being disposed of safely is to store them somewhere safe until you’ve saved up a good few. Once you’ve built up a decent collection of used vapes, take them to your local recycling centre where they’ll be happy to dispose of them for you.
If you have a bit more time on your hands and you really want to do your bit then it is possible to remove the materials and recycle them yourself. To do this, you’ll need to dismantle the device and separate the basic materials, which can then be recycled individually.
Before you begin, remember that battery removal can be dangerous if you’re not careful, so take extra care when handling the battery and make sure you wear gloves.
You will want to start by opening the device; usually there is a piece that comes straight off and allows access to the internal components.
Simply remove the battery using hand gloves and taking extra precaution.
Remove the cotton and plastic e-liquid tank.
Your disposable vape is officially dismantled and ready to be recycled.
How to Dispose of Disposable Vapes Materials
Now you’ve separated the vape’s materials, the question is what should you do with them?
Well, most of us know not to throw old batteries into the bin. Dispose of your batteries in the wrong way and they could very easily end up in landfill which can be disastrous for our natural surroundings as they can pollute water supplies and damage ecological systems.
So, once you’ve removed the battery, take it to a local recycling centre or supermarket to be disposed of properly.
For the other materials, just pop the plastic and cotton into the relevant recycling and hopefully they’ll be recycled into something new which saves them ending up in a landfill where they’ll take 1,000 years to decompose!
Environmental Impact Compared to Smoking
Although it’s clear disposables aren’t the most eco-friendly choice when it comes to vaping, it’s important to remember they’re still much less damaging to the environment than cigarettes.
In fact, cigarette butts – made from cellulose acetate, which is a type of plastic that takes over a decade to decompose – are still the single biggest cause of plastic pollution in our oceans.
It’s also said that just a single cigarette filter can pollute 1000 litres of water! So keep in mind that whether you’re vaping disposables or a reusable device, if you’ve swapped traditional cigarettes with an electric alternative then you’re already making a difference.
WHERE TO RECYCLE DISPOSABLES
Remember, battery recycling can only be done at your local recycling centre or supermarket. The cotton and plastic can be recycled via recycling bins and will eventually be given an all-new purpose!
There is plenty of information available online about how and where you can recycle your battery:
Now you know how to safely dispose of your disposable vape, shop our extensive range of disposable vapes with peace of mind! We have disposables from world-renowned brands such as Solo Bar, Zombie bar , Cali Island bar as well as the latest The juiceman Bar by Hyppe!
