Jessica Tyson
09/04/2025 • 5 min read
Disposable vapes have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and ease of use. However, their environmental impact has raised concerns about plastic waste, battery disposal, and CO2 emissions.
This article explores the problems caused by disposable vapes, their impact on the environment, and what vapers can do to dispose of them responsibly.
Most disposable vapes are made from plastic, lithium-ion batteries, and electronic components, which are not biodegradable. This means:
According to The Eco Experts, more than 167.5 million disposable vapes are sold in the UK annually, producing over 59,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions — equivalent to the emissions of 375,795 people per year.
Disposable vapes contain small lithium-ion batteries, which pose a fire hazard if not disposed of correctly. Improper disposal of vapes has led to more than 700 bin fires in the UK. Additionally, lithium batteries leak toxic chemicals into the environment when crushed in landfills.
If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of disposable vapes, consider these eco-friendly options:
You can also drop them off at electrical waste recycling centres – find your nearest one here. Many vape shops also accept old disposables for safe recycling.
Switching to a refillable vape kit helps reduce waste and save money.
Recommended Alternative: Vaporesso XROS 3 Mini Pod Vape Kit: A refillable, eco-friendly vape device.
Disposable vapes are convenient, but their environmental impact cannot be ignored. By choosing refillable vapes and recycling used disposables, vapers can help reduce plastic waste and battery pollution.
