Haypp Recycling

Haypp puts sustainability at the heart of our business model. Through our products, operations and people we aim to create a sustainable future. Haypp Group supports the global goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a universal call for action. We have chosen to focus on 8 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that align most closely with our mission. The core SDG for Haypp Group is SDG 3 on Health and Wellbeing. We are also committed to delivering positive impact on SDG 12 Responsible consumption and production. You can read more about our sustainability strategy on the Haypp Group corporate website.

At Haypp, we put our customers first and a central part of our sustainable business model is to enable our customers to safely and securely recycle their vape devices. Here you can read about how and why to recycle your used vapes.

Electrical waste can be dangerous for the environment if it is not recycled or disposed of correctly. Since vapes are an electrical good, they also need to be recycled or disposed of in the correct way.

In the UK, to remind you that old electrical equipment can be recycled, it is now marked with a crossed-out wheeled bin symbol. Please do not throw any electrical equipment (including those marked with the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol) in your bin.

Vapes, including disposable vapes, pod systems, and e-liquid bottles, contain materials like plastics, metal, and lithium-ion batteries that require specific recycling methods.

Improper disposal of vapes poses environmental and health risks. Components like batteries and e-liquids can leak harmful chemicals into the environment if not handled correctly.

There are hidden batteries inside electricals, including vapes and if these electricals are thrown away in household bins, the batteries get crushed in bin lorries and recycling centres and can cause fires. Fires caused by binned batteries and electricals, such as vapes, are on the rise across the UK. For example, over 1,200 fires in the last year were caused by batteries.

Recycling vapes helps:

• Reduce electronic waste.
• Minimise environmental pollution.
• Recover valuable materials like metal and plastic for reuse.

According to research from Materials Focus, every week, 8.2 million vapes are thrown away or recycled incorrectly – equivalent to 13 every second.

Remember - vapes, and anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled - even the cables themselves!

Recycling your vapes properly is essential to reducing environmental impact. Whether you use disposable vapes, refillable pod systems, or manage accessories like e-liquid bottles and coils, understanding how to recycle them correctly is key.

Can you recycle disposable vapes? Yes, but they need to be treated carefully. Disposable vapes fall under the category of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and must be recycled accordingly.

• Batteries: Remove and recycle at a battery recycling point.
• Plastic and metal: Drop off at a designated e-waste recycling facility.
• E-liquid residue: Ensure the vape is empty before recycling.

Can you recycle pods? Yes, pod systems often contain recyclable materials.

• Pods: Check if your retailer or brand offers a take-back scheme. If so, clean and drop them off at participating retailers or check out the Haypp take-back scheme. Both single-use and rechargeable vapes require proper recycling to mitigate environmental impact.
• Device: Recycle the body at electronic waste centres.

Can you recycle e-liquids? While the liquid itself must be disposed of carefully, most bottles are recyclable if rinsed thoroughly. Most bottles are recyclable if rinsed thoroughly before placing them in the household recycling bin.

Are vape coils recyclable? Vape coils contain metal, making them recyclable at facilities that accept small electronic parts.

To learn more, read our full article on how to recycle vapes.

There are a number of options available when you want to recycle your vapes.

• Local E-Waste Facilities: Check your nearest recycling centre for vape disposal services.
• Battery Recycling Points: Dispose of lithium-ion batteries safely.
• Local Council Website: Visit your local council website for information on recycling facilities and drop-off points.
• The Haypp take-back scheme: Some vape retailers offer recycling programs, including Haypp—find out more below.

You can find your closest designated recycling point by searching on the Material Focus website. 

• Do not throw vapes in regular waste bins. This can lead to environmental hazards.
• Check local regulations. Many regions have specific rules for e-waste disposal.
• Check with your local council for specific disposal guidelines and recycling facilities. Local authorities often manage waste and recycling services and can provide detailed information.
• Use manufacturer take-back schemes. Brands like Totally Wicked offer recycling programs for vapes.

If you are still unsure where to recycle, check with your local council or visit Recycle Your Electricals for guidance. Vape recycling in the UK is governed by The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations, which ensure the proper disposal of electronic waste.

Haypp will help you recycle your vapes through our dedicated takeback scheme. You can send any vapes purchased from us back to our UK warehouse where the team will arrange for them to be recycled correctly.

We have partnered with Biffa, an authorised waste management company that ensures any vapes returned to Haypp are processed through Approved Authorised Treatment Facilities (AATF).

To use our take-back service, simply send your used vapes via courier to our warehouse at 33 Clarke Road, Milton Keynes, England, MK1 1LG. Please write clearly on the packaging that the contents are to be recycled. Make sure to check with the courier company to make sure they will carry electrical items or batteries.

Certain programs allow users to trade in old vapes for store credit or discounts. Participating in a vape recycling scheme can also help you earn store credit or discounts. Check with your retailer to see if they offer such incentives.

The disposable vape ban will come into force on 1 June 2025.

After that date, it will be illegal to sell or supply single-use or disposable vapes. Thankfully, we have lots of great alternatives that have the same variety of flavours and nicotine strengths that you can get from disposable vapes, allowing you to tailor your vaping experience to your needs – and without having to worry about the waste of single-use products.