How to Recycle Vapes in Ireland: A Free, Safe and Simple Guide

Here is a question we get more often than you might think: what do I actually do with my old vape? Most people know it should not go in the bin, but far fewer know where it should go instead. As a result, drawers all over Ireland are full of old devices, and far too many still end up in household waste or on the side of the road.

This guide explains how to recycle vapes in Ireland properly, for free, and why it matters. It covers disposables, pod kits, prefilled pods, batteries and e-liquid bottles, along with how to handle damaged devices safely.

Why you should never bin a vape

Every vape contains a lithium battery, and lithium batteries do not mix well with bin lorries. When they are crushed or punctured they can overheat and catch fire. Waste companies and fire services in Ireland have reported a growing number of fires in bin trucks and recycling facilities caused by batteries and vapes in the wrong bin.

There is also the waste itself. A vape contains plastic, metal, a circuit board and a battery, all of which can be recovered and reused when the device is recycled properly. WEEE Ireland reports that the large majority of material it collects is recovered for use in new products. A vape in a landfill is simply lost.

Finally, vapes are classed as electrical and electronic equipment under Irish and EU law. That means they belong in the electrical waste stream, just like a phone charger or an old kettle.

The easiest way to recycle a vape: Blue Battery Boxes

WEEE Ireland runs a free recycling scheme using Blue Battery Boxes. You will find them in:

• Most supermarkets
• Many newsagents and convenience shops
• Electrical retailers
• Local authority civic amenity and recycling centres

You can drop used vapes, disposables and loose batteries into these boxes at no cost and with no need to buy anything. It is the simplest option for most people, because there is probably one within a few minutes of where you do your weekly shop.

Retailer take back

Shops that sell vapes, including online retailers, are required to take back old devices from customers on a one for one, like for like basis. In plain terms, if you buy a new vape, the retailer must accept your old one. This applies in store and, for online orders, at the time of delivery in line with the WEEE rules.

If you are a Vapepoint customer and you are not sure how to return an old device, contact our team and we will explain the options.

Civic amenity sites

Every county has civic amenity or recycling centres that accept electrical waste and batteries free of charge. These are a good option if you have a bag of old devices to clear out. Check your local council website for opening hours, as some sites have restricted times.

How to recycle different vape products

Disposable vapes

Put the whole device in a Blue Battery Box or bring it to a civic amenity site. Do not try to open it or remove the battery yourself. With the disposable vape ban coming in, now is a good time to clear out any old ones you have lying around.

Pod kits and batteries

When a rechargeable device reaches the end of its life, recycle the battery unit the same way. If your kit uses a separate pod or tank, remove it first. WEEE Ireland asks that tanks are removed before rechargeable devices are recycled.

Used pods and cartridges

Prefilled pods and refillable cartridges contain a small metal coil and some leftover e-liquid. Empty pods are small, but they still should not be littered. Check whether your local recycling centre accepts them. If in doubt, ask at the centre or contact your council.

E-liquid bottles

Empty plastic e-liquid bottles can often go in your recycling bin once they are completely empty. Bottles that still contain nicotine liquid should not be poured down the sink or put in household waste. Bring them to a civic amenity site, where they can be handled as hazardous waste.

Packaging

Cardboard boxes and paper leaflets can go straight into your household recycling bin.

Handling damaged or swollen batteries

A battery that is swollen, hot, leaking, dented or making a hissing sound needs extra care.

1. Stop using and charging it immediately.
2. Place it on a non flammable surface, away from anything that could catch fire, and let it cool.
3. Do not puncture, crush or try to open it.
4. If possible, cover the contacts with a piece of tape.
5. Bring it to a civic amenity site as soon as possible and tell the staff it is damaged.

For more on preventing battery problems in the first place, see our battery safety guide and our vape troubleshooting tips.

Recycling vapes when travelling or at events

Festivals, matches and nights out are where a lot of vapes get lost or dropped. If you are away from home, hold on to your old device until you find a Blue Battery Box or a bin specifically marked for batteries. Never throw a vape into a general bin at an event, and never leave one on the ground, where it can be crushed by vehicles or picked up by children.

When flying, airlines require vapes and spare batteries to travel in hand luggage, not in checked bags. If a device is damaged or swollen, do not bring it on a flight at all. Recycle it before you travel.

What happens to a recycled vape?

Once collected, vapes are taken to specialist treatment facilities. The batteries are removed safely, and the plastics, metals and electronic parts are separated so they can be processed and reused. Valuable materials such as copper and lithium can be recovered, which reduces the need to mine new raw materials. It is a simple act on your part that keeps useful resources in circulation.

How to cut down on vape waste

Recycling is important, but creating less waste in the first place is even better. A few easy changes help a lot:

• Move away from disposables. A reusable prefilled pod kit means you only replace a small pod, not a battery and circuit board.
• Consider a refillable kit. A refillable pod kit with bottled e-liquid produces the least waste of all.
• Look after your battery. A well cared for device lasts much longer before it needs replacing.
• Buy pods in multipacks. Fewer orders and less packaging overall.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to recycle vapes in Ireland?

Yes. Blue Battery Boxes, civic amenity sites and retailer take back are all free for households.

Can I put a vape in my green recycling bin?

No. Vapes contain batteries and electronics and must never go in your household recycling or general waste bin.

Do I need to empty the e-liquid first?

No. Do not try to drain or open a disposable. Recycle the whole device as it is.

Can I recycle vapes at the shop where I bought them?

Yes. Retailers are required to take back old devices on a like for like basis when you buy a new one.

Doing our part

At Vapepoint we want vaping to be responsible from start to finish: sold only to adults, used safely and disposed of properly. If every vaper in Ireland dropped their old devices into a Blue Battery Box instead of the bin, it would make a real difference. Next time you do the shopping, bring that drawer of old vapes with you.

Our products contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance, and are for adults aged 18 and over only.