How To Safely Dispose Of Your Disposable Vapes

The disposable vape market has been booming ever since Elf Bars first came onto the scene in 2018. Since then we’ve seen a whole new market shoot up with plenty of different designs, flavours and vaping styles on offer.

Vapes are great for the casual user, or for those who want to give vaping a go for the first time. But once you’re done, how do you safely throw away your disposable vape?

We’ve got the full rundown below to make sure you’re correctly getting rid of the waste product so you can stay safe and protect the environment.

Let’s take a look.

What is a disposable vape?

A disposable vape is a pen-like device that is used for vaping for a short amount of time before being discarded. Often containing nicotine salts as the e-liquid, disposable vapes are small, convenient and simple to use.

They’re popular with young people, casual vape users and anyone looking to get into vaping. Disposable vapes are often cheaper than vaping equipment, but could work out more expensive in the long run if you keep up the habit.

Because they’re often made with materials that can’t be reused, disposable vapes aren’t as environmentally friendly as using vaping hardware.

Are disposable vapes recyclable?

Unfortunately, most disposable vapes are made from non-recyclable materials and so they can’t be reused. They’re designed to be used once and then thrown away, and sadly the materials used are often plastic so they won’t break down.

The technology is moving on quickly, and with sustainability at the forefront of most industries these days, we’d expect to see more environmentally friendly options enter the market soon.

How to throw away your disposable vape

Throwing away your disposable vape is a simple process, but one where you need to be cautious because of the chemicals involved. You should also be aware of the environmental impact that can happen when you don’t correctly dispose of your vape. Here’s a quick step by step on how to safely throw away your disposable vape.

Check the instructions

If you bought a pack of disposable vapes, the packaging should have instructions to safely throw them away or whether any part of the vape can be recycled. It’s best to follow the instructions the manufacturer has provided.

If you’ve been given a disposable vape by a friend or you’ve already thrown away the packaging, you can follow the below instructions for safe disposal tips.

Empty out any liquid

The e-liquid in the disposable vape tanks needs to be correctly disposed of so it doesn't harm wildlife or pets. This is because the chemicals in the liquid can cause poisoning if ingested.

If there’s no obvious way of removing the vape tank, you can try gently pulling at the mouthpiece or using a small tool to pry it away from the vape. Then, you should be able to access the tank.

Empty any vape juice into a container for disposal. If you pour it down the sink, you risk harming the environment with the pollutants.

Wrap it up

To be extra safe, wrap up the disposable vape in some kitchen towel or another bag so it won’t leak anywhere. The extra layer of wrapping can help to soak up the spilled liquid so any wildlife or pets can’t accidentally get to it.

Throw it away

Be sure to dispose of your vape in the correct waste. Don’t place it in the recycling bin, as the vape juice may contaminate other recyclable materials in the bin.

Wash your hands

Once you’ve finished safely disposing of your vape, you’ll need to wash your hands to make sure you remove any liquid that’s inadvertently gotten on your skin. This is because the chemicals in e-liquids can be harmful if ingested accidentally, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Sustainable options

If you’re getting through a lot of disposable vapes and find your refuse slowly filling up with them, it might be time to invest in a more environmentally friendly option.

Thankfully, there are ways you can carry on vaping while still looking after the environment.

Paper disposable vape

Disposable vapes have been innovating in recent years so that they’re less harmful to the planet. You can now buy paper versions of disposable vapes, which use tightly compacted paper and cardboard to create the casing of the vape.

These options are slightly more expensive than your average disposable vape, but they can be fully recycled. If the environmental impact of vaping is important to you but you don’t want to commit to a full vape, then it’s well worth splashing out for this option.

Look for natural vape juice ingredients

Some disposable vapes advertise that they use all natural and organic ingredients for the e-liquid. Choosing these vapes over other brands can reduce your personal impact on the environment and make it easier to dispose of.

Reusable vape

If you’re becoming a regular vape user, investing in some hardware will be better for the environment and for your wallet in the long run. Regular vapes have rechargeable batteries and their tanks are refillable, so you’ll be greatly cutting down on the amount of waste you’re producing.

Recycling tanks

If you spring for a full vape kit, it’s worth noting that the tanks used for vape juices are often completely recyclable because they’re made from glass and metal. Taking the time to recycle these will further minimise your impact on the planet.

Final thoughts

Throwing away a disposable vape might seem like an easy job, but if you want to make sure you’re not endangering wildlife and negatively affecting the environment then it’s important to do it properly.

Disposable vapes are innovating all the time, so keep an eye on the market to see if more sustainable options become available soon. Try to aim for natural vape juice ingredients where possible.

Have a hankering to try a new disposable vape flavour out? Our e liquid flavours can give you some inspiration for what to try next.