Before electronic cigarettes, smokers had few choices when it came to kicking the tobacco habit for good.
Many people found it too hard to stop smoking, with the limited options ranging from nicotine patches to gum and inhalers, but things are different now.
However, with the increasing popularity of vaping comes the responsibility of safe disposal of vape kits and e-liquids. Many people are unaware of how to properly get rid of these items, which can lead to health and environmental hazards.
In this blog post, we'll provide tips on safely disposing of your vape and e-liquid.
How to get rid of disposable vapes
Disposable vapes are so popular because they're easy to use and require no technical knowledge. All you need to do is unwrap the vape pen, and you're good to go. But what about when you're finished with it?
The average disposable vape pen comes with a coil, wick, plastic exterior, and e-liquid in the tank. Some people avoid using disposables because they're not the most environmentally friendly option, but some you can recycle with some effort.
Take your vapes to the recycling centre
Most recycling centres will have a designated area for you to dispose of your vape pens, which ensures that each pen is appropriately recycled and doesn't end up in a landfill.
Wait until you've collected a few vape pens
It's definitely more convenient to wait until you have a collection of disposable vape pens before taking them to the recycling centre. That way you can save on petrol and do your part for the environment simultaneously.
Disposing of traditional vape kits
If you have an advanced vape kit, then you'll need to take a few more steps to dispose of your device correctly.
The first thing you should do is remove any e-liquid from the tank and remove the coil, as this can be recycled or thrown away depending on your local recycling centres guidelines. Next, unscrew the tank from the mod and discard it in the recycling.
Vape kits with removable batteries
If your vape has a removable battery, you'll need to take this out of the device and recycle it separately. Our Evapo vape shops and most phone or electronic shops will have a designated area for recycling batteries, so be sure to take advantage of this. For your own safety we recommend taping the ends of your batteries.
Vapes with built-in batteries
For vapes with built-in batteries, you'll need to research the best way to dispose of your device. In some cases, you can return the vape to the manufacturer, and they'll recycle it for you.
Alternatively, why not look at the Recycle Now site? It has a postcode checker where you can find your closest recycling centre for each item.
Disposing of vape pods
When it comes to vape pods, whether they can be recycled really depends on the design. Generally prefilled pods and refillable pods which have a fixed coil cannot be easily dismantled to separate the different elements and ensure all are completely clean of e-liquid residue, and so they need to be disposed of in your household waste and be recycled.
However, refillable pods with a replaceable coil may be recyclable if you are able to dismantle the pod and separate the metal, plastic, and coil. The coil will unfortunately need to be thrown away and cannot be recycled, but the plastic and metal parts should be possible to recycle as long as you are able to thoroughly rinse them to remove any remaining e-liquid.
How to get rid of e-liquid bottles
E-liquid is the substance that's used in electronic cigarettes and it comes in a variety of different sized bottles. These bottles are made from plastic, which means they are recyclable - but only if they're empty.
If you still have e-liquid in your bottle, then there are a few things you need to do before recycling:
- Pour the e-liquid down the sink and rinse the bottle out with water.
- Remove the label from the bottle (if possible) and put it in the recycling bin.
- Put the empty bottle in your local recycling centre.
Alternatively, you can always reuse your e-liquid bottles. If you have a friend or family member who vapes, then they might be able to use your old bottles. Just make sure they're clean before giving them away.
Are disposable or traditional vape kits better for the environment?
Disposable vapes are more convenient than traditional kits and they can be sustainable as long as you know how to treat them. Some people prefer disposables because the flavours are often more intense, and they're more cost-effective in the short-term.
There are so many options for disposable vape pods, including the infamous Geek Bar or Elf Bar collection, which features sweet flavours with icy cool tones.
On the other hand, traditional vape kits are better for the environment because they're reusable, but if you don't take care of them properly, you'll probably need to replace them more often.
Why is it important to think about the environment?
We all know that our actions impact the planet, and it's important to consider how each person will inevitably contribute to global warming and increased carbon emissions. Everyone should think about protecting the earth - and most people now do.
Plastic pollution is damaging our oceans
One of the biggest problems we face is plastic pollution, damaging our oceans and causing harm to marine life. Scientists estimate that there will be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050 if we don't do something about it.
It can damage the health of humans
Not only is plastic pollution harmful to the environment, but it can also damage the health of humans. For example, microplastics have been found in tap water, which means we're ingesting them every time we have a drink.
These tiny pieces of plastic can cause problems with our digestion and even enter our bloodstream.
Conclusion
There's no doubt that vaping offers plenty of benefits over smoking, and a smoke-free environment is healthier for everyone.
However, we can't underestimate the effects of disposable vapes that aren't disposed of correctly. The main problem with plastic pollution is how people choose to throw away their items, which can lead to higher levels of pollution.
As long as you can dispose of the vape effectively, following your recycling centre's guidelines, you'll have no problems with the process.
So, enjoy your vaping experience, and don't be afraid to try new things. From disposable kits to fancy mods that let you customise your experience, there's something for everyone.
