How to recycle vape waste in the workplace and public spaces

With new vape producer responsibility requirements coming into force from August 2026, and the UK on track for a record breaking year of fires caused by incorrectly disposed batteries and vapes, organisations across the UK are paying closer attention to how e-cigarette waste is collected and recycled.

What’s in a vape?

Although e-cigarettes are now a common consumer product, they are classified as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). This means they require specialist recycling and should never be disposed of in general waste.

Every vape contains plastic, metal, and a lithium battery. These materials can be recovered through specialist recycling processes, yet millions of vapes and vape pods continue to be discarded every week.

How to recycle vapes safely in the workplace

Used vapes should be placed in a dedicated vape recycling bin as a complete unit, including the battery. They should be then collected separately from both general waste and mixed recycling streams. Specialist recyclers will safely separate and process the battery and other materials.

Best practice for vape recycling includes:

• Place dedicated vape recycling bins in high-footfall areas such as break areas, smoking shelters, entrances and reception areas.
• Ensure vapes are collected separately from general waste and mixed recycling and that the bin signage uses standardised WRAP-compliant colour coded labels to reduce contamination.
• Work with your waste management provider to ensure collected vapes are sent to an appropriate recycling stream.

Leafield’s e-cigarette and vape recycling bin range

Leafield Recycle's E-Cigarette & Vape Recycling Bin Range is designed to help organisations safely collect used vapes and direct them into the correct recycling stream.

Key Features

• Available in 10L, 18L and 30L capacities to suit a range of collection volumes.
• WRAP-compliant pink lid and signage for clear waste stream identification.
• Designed for the collection of used e-cigarettes and vapes, including devices containing batteries.
• 48mm aperture suitable for a variety of vape sizes.
• Integrated carry handles for easy emptying and handling.
• Manufactured from 100% recycled plastic (subject to availability).
• Ideal for workplaces, universities, hospitals, retail environments and public spaces.

By providing the right collection point in the right place, organisations can help reduce fire risks, support recycling and prepare for evolving vape compliance requirements ahead of the August 2026 deadline.

Need a site audit?

Our Business Development team can help you assess your workplace recycling needs. To arrange a free site audit and identify the most effective collection solution for your site, call: +44 (0) 1225 816541, email: recycle@leafieldenv.com, or visit: www.leafieldrecycle.com

Together, we can make recycling simpler, clearer and more effective.