Disposables aren't as bad for the environment as you might think.
One of the biggest arguments against disposables is that they produce a lot of waste. In fact, 1.3 million of them are discarded per week in the UK alone[1]. However, analysis by the United Nations has shown that disposable vapes aren’t the biggest source of e-waste.
Discarded toys were the biggest culprit. People throw away 77 times more of them annually than e-cigs. Vapes contribute 42 million kg of e-waste annually worldwide, as opposed to the 3.2 billion kg that toys produce[2].
Although disposable vapes aren’t anywhere near the biggest contributor to e-waste across the globe, it’s important that they’re properly recycled.
How do you recycle vapes?
In a recent campaign, the Independent British Vape Trade Association highlight the importance of vape recycling. There are plenty of locations where you can take your disposables, from recycling centres to your local vape shop.
You shouldn’t put disposables and batteries into household waste as the batteries need to responsibly recycled and can pose a fire risk.
Totally Wicked & The Electronic Cigarette Company
Totally Wicked and The Electronic Cigarette Company have joined forces with waste management specialists Veolia. You can bring your batteries and disposables to any store and we’ll be store them in a fire proof container until they’re ready for collection. Veolia then recycle the valuable components and return them to the manufacturing supply chain.
WEEE recycling centres
Waste Electrical or Electronic Equipment (WEEE) recycling centres are all over the UK. Check with your local council to find a site that accepts them near you. You can also use the Recycle Your Electricals website to find your local centre.
Disposable alternatives
Pre filled pod kits
Elf Bar 1200
| Battery | 650mAh |
| Flavours | 24 |
| Price | £6.99 |
ELFA Pro
| Battery | 500mAh |
| Flavours | 34 |
| Price | £5.99 |
Crystal Plus
| Battery | 400mAh |
| Flavours | 15 |
| Price | £7.95 |
Open tank kits
Joyetech EVIO M
| Battery | 900mAh |
| Resistance | 0.8ohm |
| Price | £11.99 |
Uwell Havok R
| Battery | 950mAh |
| Resistance | 0.6ohm |
| Price | £19.99 |
OXVA XLIM Pro 2
| Battery | 1300mAh |
| Type | disposable pod |
| Price | £23.99 |
Bar salts
VLTZ E-liquid
| PG:VG | 60/40 |
| Flavours | 30 |
| Price | £4.99 3 for £10 |
ELFLIQ
| PG:VG | 50/50 |
| Flavours | 40 |
| Price | £2.99 4 for £9.99 |
ELUX Legend Nic Salts
| PG:VG | 50/50 |
| Flavours | 44 |
| Price | £2.99 4 for £9.99 |
There you have it, disposable vapes aren’t the biggest source of e-waste. But, it’s still important to recycle disposables.
Sources
[1] ITV X (2022). Over 1.3 million disposable vapes a week are ending up in landfill or incineration.
[2] New Scientist. Walker, S. (2023). Toys produce far more electronic waste than vapes.
