FREE Vape and E-Cigarette Recycling
July 24, 2023
Did you know Vape and E-Cigarette products contact lithium batteries and electronic parts – both of which should be recycled?
The crossed-out ‘wheelie bin’ symbol 
on these products highlights that they should never be placed in household waste for disposal, rather they should be recycled. WEEE Ireland facilitates the collective take back of this e-waste for free recycling via our Blue Battery Box System.
Why do I need to recycle end of life vapes and e-cigarettes?
Disposable, single-use, rechargeable vape and/or e-cigarette devices can contain batteries and are EEE products (Electronic and Electrical Equipment) both of which should be recycled when they reach the end of life.
Authorised waste electrical and battery recycling protects our environment and human health from harm, supports climate action and ensures the recovery of valuable resources helping to achieve a truly circular economy.
Being more resource efficient with e-waste through authorised recycling is a simple yet sustainable way to support a more circular economy in Ireland. These products and devices contain a large variety of materials, ranging from base and precious metals to plastics, as well as critical raw materials (CRMs).
83% of all material collected by WEEE Ireland has been recovered for use again in manufacturing through certified Irish local operators and specialist processors in Europe. These stocks of resources are the urban mines of the future and recycling these products at end-of-life prevents these resources going to landfill, being illegally dumped, exported, or handled by unauthorised operators – having a significant impact on the environment today.
Where can I recycle used vapes and e-cigarettes?
End-of-life disposable, single-use, rechargeable vape and/or e-cigarette devices can be recycled for free wherever you see WEEE Ireland Blue Battery Boxes. You’ll find WEEE Ireland Blue Battery Boxes in most newsagents, supermarkets, electrical retailers and Local Authority Recycling Centres/Civic Amenity Sites
To recycle your vape or e-cigarette correctly, please ensure:
- The liquid tank is removed prior to recycling
- Place the device in one of our WEEE Ireland Blue Battery Boxes
- As the device may contain lithium batteries, it is important for Health & Safety that they are recycled correctly. See here for more information on recycling batteries safely
Are retailers obliged to take back my devices?
Yes, retailers are obliged to take back disposable, single-use, rechargeable vape and/or e-cigarette devices on a one-for-one, like-for-like basis in-store or on delivery. Retailers can recycle these waste devices in WEEE Ireland Blue Battery Boxes.
Retailers can request delivery and collection of Blue Battery Boxes here