Don't let the most effective stop smoking tool go to waste
Recycle-vapes.co.uk is an information hub helping consumers and the vaping industry take positive action to ensure used vapes are being disposed of correctly.
DoReturn used vapes to a take-back point or check if your council has a specific kerbside collection service
Don'tBin them in general household waste
Vaping has helped millions of adults cut down on or quit smoking. But how do we ensure used vapes find their way into the right recycling streams?
vapes and pods being thrown away every week
Source: Material Focus 2026
of vapers say that they did not know that they could recycle their vapes
Source: Material Focus 2026
of vapers say there isn't enough information on how to recycle
Source: Material Focus 2026
Getting vape recycling right
Vaping has played an instrumental role in bringing the UK's smoking rates down to yet another record low, while new evidence from Cochrane has reinforced that vapes help more people quit smoking than other methods.
At the same time, the latest research from non-profit Material Focus found that 6.3 million vapes and pods are still being thrown away or incorrectly recycled every week in the UK. While this represents a 23% reduction on the previous year, the figures show that more needs to be done to ensure used vapes enter the correct waste streams.
Consumers need clear guidance and convenient places to recycle their used vapes and pods, while vape businesses must ensure they are fully compliant with the regulations.
Recycle-vapes.co.uk brings together information and resources to help consumers and businesses get vape recycling right.
Bin the Black Market for Good
Illegal sellers have no place in the UK vaping market. Yet rogue businesses continue to flout the rules, selling non-compliant products and banned disposable vapes while undermining responsible retailers who are in the industry to help adults quit smoking.
That's why the UK Vaping Industry Association is calling on Government to commit to a 10-point Fair Deal for Vaping, which includes strong action to drive rogue sellers out of the market for good.
We also want to see greater accountability for businesses' environmental responsibilities, and have long called for a vape licensing scheme which includes requirements for retailers to demonstrate they have the right take-back arrangements in place BEFORE they can legally stock and sell vaping products.
Fair Deal for VapingFor Vapers
Not sure what to do with your used vapes? You're not alone. Research from Material Focus found that 47% of vapers didn't know their vapes could be recycled, while 80% felt there wasn't enough information on how to do it.
Check out our top tips for safely storing and disposing of your used vaping products:
- 01
Never put vapes in general waste or mixed recycling
Vapes contain batteries and electrical components that can cause fires if damaged or crushed during waste collection. Always take used devices to an appropriate vape or electrical recycling point or check if your local council offers specific kerbside collections for vapes.
- 02
Store used vapes safely until you can recycle them
Keep used vapes in a cool, dry place, away from extreme temperatures and flammable materials. Avoid damaging or dismantling devices, and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
- 03
Ask your retailer about take-back
Vape retailers are required to provide a take-back service for used vapes and vape parts, either in-store or through an appropriate alternative collection point. Ask your retailer how you can return your used devices for recycling.
- 04
Don’t forget the packaging
Check which parts of your vape packaging can be recycled, including cardboard boxes, paper inserts and e-liquid bottles.
- 05
Don't buy or sell banned single-use vapes
It has been illegal to sell or supply single-use vapes in the UK since 1 June 2025. If you spot a business selling them, you can report it through Be Vape Vigilant.
Report it - 06
Find your nearest recycling point
Not sure where to take your used vapes? Use the Recycle Your Electricals recycling locator from Material Focus to find a suitable recycling point near you.
Find a recycling point
For Industry
It's essential that all businesses involved in the vaping sector are familiar and compliant with their obligations under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations. This directory brings together guidance and resources to help businesses understand and meet those responsibilities.
OPSS video guidance for vape retailers on their legal obligations under the WEEE Regulations takeback requirements
Watch the video →DEFRA and OPSS guidance on WEEE for manufacturers, importers and distributors (including retailers)
Read the guidance →Electrical waste: retailer and distributor responsibilities (including consequences of non-compliance)
Read the guidance →Recording template for businesses operating their own take-back scheme
Download template →Registers of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) producers, approved exporters, approved authorised treatment facilities and producer compliance schemes
View registers →OPSS campaign materials - My safety: using and disposing of vapes
Read the guidance →Sustainable Vaping Week 2026
Sustainable Vaping Week returns this year, coinciding with International E-Waste Day on 14 October.
First launched in 2023, the campaign aims to mobilise the vaping industry to help businesses meet their WEEE obligations, while giving consumers clear guidance on how and where to safely dispose of their used vaping products.
This year's campaign also comes as the UK Vaping Industry Association calls on Government to commit to a Fair Deal for Vaping which includes:
- Stronger action against rogue businesses selling non-compliant products - including banned single-use vape
- A licensing scheme which includes proof of WEEE compliance as part of the 'passport to sell' vaping products
Download the campaign assets to help spread the message in-store, online and across social media, and find out more about the Fair Deal for Vaping.
