How to Dispose of a Vape or E-Cigarette Safely

Why not the trash

Per EPA's e-cigarette disposal page, e-cigarettes shouldn't go in household trash or recycling. The lithium batteries can be damaged and start fires, often after being crushed in garbage trucks and at waste facilities. Nicotine is toxic to workers and the environment. EPA notes liquid nicotine can be absorbed through the skin, and that nicotine can harm fish and other aquatic life.

Where to take it

EPA's advice is to take e-cigarettes to a household hazardous waste (HHW) collection site. Many towns and counties run one, and they're typically free for residents. Search your county's HHW page or our hazardous waste guide. Some battery or electronics drop-offs may take vapes, but ask first, because not every drop-off accepts them.

Checked October 2026. Rules for this item vary by city and county, and fees and accepted items change. Check your local solid waste or household hazardous waste page, or call the site, before you haul.

Packing them for drop-off

Don't take the device apart.
EPA's lithium-ion battery page advises putting tape over battery terminals or bagging each battery separately, so tape any exposed contacts or charging ports.
Put each vape in its own clear bag, and keep pods and e-liquid sealed.
If a device is swollen, hot or leaking, don't charge it. Set it aside away from anything flammable and contact the manufacturer or your HHW program, as EPA advises for damaged batteries.
Carry them in a box where they won't be crushed. See keeping lithium packs uncrushed in the load.

Storing them until a collection day

Keep a small lidded container away from heat and out of reach of kids and pets. Don't throw vapes in with loose batteries or metal.