E-Cigarettes and Vape Devices
Electronic cigarettes, vaping devices and e-liquid or “vape juice” can present a significant risk to human health and the environment if improperly disposed of, including risk of fires. Vapes can look like a cigarette, cigar, smoking pipe, a flash drive, smartwatch, or asthma inhaler. Some vapes are designed to be taken apart so that each individual component can be managed properly.
- Do not dispose of at the Transfer Station!
- Do not crush or disassemble a vaping device that is not designed to be taken apart!
- Do not put vapes in the trash!
- Do not put vapes in water!
Disposal options for e-cigarette/vape components
Battery – Some vapes are rechargeable and refillable for long-term use; others are disposable after short-term use. Rechargeable, lithium-ion batteries should never be put in the trash. If the battery can be removed, tape the ends with non-conducting tape (electrical, packaging, or duct tape) and bring it to a household hazardous waste (HHW) collection event or permanent facility for safe disposal.
Cartridge containers/vials; “Pods” – Cartridges hold vape juice that may contain nicotine. Nicotine is an acute hazardous waste! After removing the battery, safely dispose of vape cartridges at HHW collection event or permanent facility.
- Never dump nicotine down the drain.
- Empty cartridge containers or “pods” may be put in the trash.
- Heating coils (if applicable) – Metal and ceramic heating coils can be disposed in the regular trash.
See link below for more information and disposal options.
https://www.des.nh.gov/news-and-media/blog/e-cigarettes-and-vape-devices