Vape Recycling for Retailers and Businesses
National Recycling provides vape recycling for retailers, distributors, manufacturers and waste companies across the UK, collecting disposable and rechargeable vapes, pods and e-cigarettes in bulk.
Vape collections
What Vape Waste We Collect
We collect disposable and rechargeable vapes, pods and e-cigarettes in bulk from retailers, distributors and manufacturers across the UK.
We can also collect other WEEE, such as batteries, circuit boards, computers and hard drives, in the same load.
Handled with care.
Disposable vapes.
Single-use vapes returned by customers, plus stock you can no longer sell since the ban.Rechargeable vape kits.
Refillable and rechargeable devices and e-cigarettes.Vape pods and cartridges.
Pods and cartridges used in refillable devices.Batteries.
Loose vape batteries, which go to specialist facilities.E-liquids and containers.
Leftover e-liquid and its packaging.
From your site to a fresh start
How Vape Recycling Works
- 01
Tell us what you have.
Use the quote form to tell us the vape types, rough quantity and collection postcode. A photo helps us quote accurately. - 02
Get your quote.
Our team replies with a quote providing clear pricing details. - 03
We collect.
A licensed waste carrier from our national haulage network collects from your site. - 04
Batteries out first.
At the licensed recycling facility, the lithium battery is removed and isolated as early as possible. The rest of the device is dismantled into casing, mouthpiece and electronics. - 05
Recover and report.
Batteries go to specialist facilities that recover lithium, cobalt, nickel and copper, and other parts are sorted into plastics, metals and electronics. You receive waste transfer notes and a certificate of recycling or destruction.
Let’s get it sorted
Arrange Your Vape Collection
Tell us what vapes you need collected and our team will reply with a quote. Call 0845 366 9306 or request a quote online.
Professional services
Vape Collection Drums
We can supply blue HDPE drums so you can store returned vapes safely between collections:
5 litre tub.
Suits the smallest volumes, such as a single till or counter.10 litre bin.
Suits low volumes from a small shop or office.15 litre bin.
Suits a busy till or a store with steady returns.
30 litre drum.
Holds up to 60kg. Suits small to medium volumes.60 litre drum.
Holds up to 120kg. Suits larger volumes.
Vape collections
The Disposable Vape Ban and Your Take-Back Duties
Disposable vapes were banned from sale in the UK from 1 June 2025. Many retailers were left with unsold stock, and customers still bring used vapes back to shops.
Vapes are electrical equipment, so they fall under the WEEE Regulations 2013. Retailers that sell vapes have take-back obligations, which means you need a compliant way to send returned devices for recycling.
Every vape contains a lithium battery. When vapes are thrown into general waste, those batteries can be crushed and catch fire in bins and waste vehicles. That is why vapes need to be stored safely and recycled through a specialist route, never binned.
Handled with care.
A partner you can depend on
Why Choose National Recycling for Vape Recycling
Built for retail and trade.
We work with vape retailers, distributors, manufacturers and waste companies.Safe storage.
Our collection drums keep returned vapes contained until collection day.Fully compliant.
We use licensed waste carriers and licensed recycling facilities, in line with UK regulations.UK-wide coverage.
Our network of haulage partners collects nationwide, so retail chains deal with one supplier.Fast quotes.
Our team replies quickly to every enquiry, providing a fast turnaround for collections.One-off or regular.
Book a single clearance or a scheduled collection, with one supplier for every location.
Find the right service
Related Services
Can you recycle disposable vapes?
Yes. Disposable vapes can be recycled once the lithium battery is removed. The battery goes to a specialist facility to recover metals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel, and the casing and electronics are sorted into plastics, metals and electronic materials for recycling.
How do retailers recycle vapes?
Store returned vapes safely, such as in a collection drum, then pass them to a licensed waste carrier that takes them to a licensed recycling facility. National Recycling supplies drums, collects across the UK and gives you the paperwork to show you met your take-back obligations.
What should I do with disposable vape stock after the ban?
Disposable vapes have been banned from sale in the UK since 1 June 2025, so unsold stock needs to be recycled as WEEE. We collect bulk loads of disposable vapes from retailers and distributors and send them for safe battery removal and recycling.
Can I recycle vape cartridges and pods?
Yes. We collect vape pods and cartridges from refillable devices alongside disposable and rechargeable vapes, e-liquids and batteries. Tell us roughly what mix you have when you request a quote, and we will advise on storage, drum sizes and collection.
Why can't vapes go in general waste?
Vapes contain lithium batteries that can catch fire when crushed or damaged, which causes fires in bins and waste vehicles. They are also WEEE, so the law requires them to go to a licensed recycling facility. Keep them separate and use a licensed carrier.
What size drum do I need for vape collections?
Our 30 litre drum holds up to 60kg and suits small to medium volumes, such as a single shop. Our 60 litre drum holds up to 120kg and suits larger volumes, such as distributors or busy stores. We can advise when you request a quote.