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The popularity of disposable vapes has grown exponentially over the past 2 years. These convenient devices are helping millions of smokers ditch cigarettes and remain smoke-free. However, it's important to keep their environmental impact is to a minimum. Keep reading to learn how you can deal with spent disposable vapes responsibly.
Are disposable vapes bad for the environment?
The classification of electrical waste is full of complexities. Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) rules tell us how we should dispose of electrical products. However, if they still have a battery in them, we don’t class them as WEEE, but as hazardous waste. Add in the difficulty that there’s probably some nicotine left over, and the plot thickens still further. The WEEE rules are there for good reasons though. One is that electrical waste has a value, but there’s another good reason for their proper disposal too.
If electrical items are not disposed of correctly, then they can be damaging to the environment. When WEEE is dumped at landfill, toxic metals like cobalt and manganese can leach into the soil and water supplies. Thankfully, there are waste recycling plants that can extract these materials. This dramatically reduces the issue. So, how can you ensure that your disposable vapes make their way to a recycling facility?
How can I recycle disposable vapes?
All used disposable vapes need to end up at a waste recycling plant, either directly or indirectly. We understand that it isn't always feasible or reasonable to expect all vapers to take their used units down to a local recycling centre. If it is, then great, but if not then we have a solution for you.
All Totally Wicked stores will take used disposables and other e-cigarettes off your hands. We safely retain this electronic waste in-store and arrange for its collection and responsible disposal. Please feel free to return your used disposable vapes and e-cigarettes to your local Totally Wicked store. You can rest assured that we will responsibly and appropriately dispose of them.
Totally Wicked has more than 150 stores across the UK, including numerous locations in Scotland and Wales. Every one of our stores will accept any type of e-cigarette. This includes any brand, even if you didn’t buy it from Totally Wicked.
What Alternatives are there to Disposable Vapes?
If you can recycle disposable vapes, you dramatically reduce their environmental impact. However, the best way to reduce your eco footprint is to use a reusable device. Of course, disposable vapes have their benefits in terms of convenience and ease of use. However they are also popular because of their intense flavour profiles. We have developed some products that are still pretty convenient and easy to use. Importantly they have intense flavours that taste as good, if not better than the latest disposables. The real beauty of these devices though, is that they're reusable. This means their impact on the environment is a great deal lower.
VLTZ Re:fuel 2
The original VLTZ Re:fuel was a popular first step for many disposable vape users, offering a rechargeable and refillable device that significantly cut waste and cost compared to single-use vapes. Building on this, the VLTZ Re:fuel 2 revolutionises the experience: it keeps the fully rechargeable 800mAh battery but introduces a crucial replaceable pod system. This means when the coil (atomizer) inside the pod wears out after delivering intense flavour from your VLTZ Original or VLTZ Ultra e-liquid, you now only replace the small pod, not the entire device, making the Re:fuel 2 an even more sustainable and user-friendly choice.
Avoid smoking without costing the earth
There you have it, our top tips for disposable vapers to reduce their environmental impact. Whether you use disposables or reusable kits, there are always ways to make small but meaningful changes to the way you tread the planet. If you're not ready to take the step from a disposable to a reusable device, that’s fine. But please make an effort to ensure you dispose of them appropriately.
