Vape disposal: shop take-back, never a home bin

Recycle Now says vapes are not safe to recycle or throw away at home, so do not put them in any bin. Take them back to a shop that sells vapes, or to a tip that takes them.

• UK

Key facts

• Shops that sell vapes must accept vapes and vape parts, such as pods, coils and batteries, for recycling. GOV.UK says this includes disposable vapes.
• Selling disposable vapes has been illegal in the UK since 1 June 2025.
• GOV.UK says vapes stored or thrown away carelessly are a fire risk.
• Some councils take vapes at their tips. Check your council's website.

Last updated: 15 October 2026

Based on Recycle Now's own pages.

Accepted items

• Disposable vapes
• Rechargeable vapes
• Pods, coils and vape batteries

Restrictions

• Do not put vapes in any bin at home.

Related item guides

• Vapes

Other kinds of place

• Battery recycling near you: where to recycle batteries
• Electrical recycling near you for old electricals
• Disposal of paint, gas bottles, chemicals and vapes

Schemes and collection services

• Recycle Your Electricals locator
• GOV.UK hazardous waste finder
• Podback coffee pod recycling
• Recycle Now locator
• Recycle Now: engine oil
• Recycle Now: gas bottles