How to Dispose of a Used Vape in Australia

Your vape has stopped working. You are standing next to the kitchen bin, wondering whether it can simply go in there.The short answer is no.A disposable vape still contains a lithium-ion battery, electronic parts and traces of vape liquid. Even when the device is empty, the battery may still hold enough energy to start a fire if it is crushed, punctured or short-circuited.In Australia, the safest option is to take a used vape to a collection point that accepts vapes, embedded batteries or electronic waste.Can you put a used vape in the rubbish bin?No. Do not put a used vape in the household rubbish bin, yellow-lid recycling bin, kerbside hard-waste collection, or a general battery bin unless it specifically accepts vapes.Vapes can be damaged during collection or sorting. The battery may be crushed or come into contact with metal, creating a fire risk for rubbish trucks, recycling facilities and waste workers.The ACCC Product Safety lithium-ion battery guide advises Australians not to place lithium-ion battery products in household rubbish, recycling bins or hard-waste collections.How should you store a used vape before disposal?If you cannot take it to a collection point immediately, keep it somewhere cool, dry and away from direct sunlight. Do not leave it in a hot car, on a bed or sofa, next to a heater, in a pocket with keys or coins, or where children or pets can reach it.Metal objects can touch the battery contacts and cause a short circuit. Keep the vape separate from keys, coins and other loose batteries.Where can you recycle a vape in Australia?The answer depends on your state, territory and local council. Before you leave home, check whether the collection point accepts disposable vapes, devices with built-in batteries, lithium-ion batteries and nicotine-containing e-waste.Useful places to check include your local council website, Recycle Mate, B-cycle collection points, Community Recycling Centres, Household Chemical CleanOut events and specialist e-waste collection services.In New South Wales, the NSW EPA advises people to take e-cigarettes and disposable vapes to selected Community Recycling Centres or Household Chemical CleanOut events. In Victoria, vapes are treated as e-waste and should not be placed in household or kerbside bins.The rules and available services can vary between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and other areas. Always check the latest local instructions before taking a vape to a collection point.What should you do with a damaged or leaking vape?Do not use, charge or dismantle a vape that is swollen, unusually hot, leaking, dented, punctured, making a hissing or crackling sound, or producing smoke or an unusual smell.Do not put a damaged vape into a normal battery collection bin without checking first. Contact your local council, waste facility or an accredited battery collector and ask how they want it handled.If the device is smoking or catches fire, move away from it, keep other people clear and call 000. Do not pick it up or try to carry it outside.Should you open a disposable vape?No. Disposable vapes are not designed to be repaired at home. Do not try to remove the battery with a knife or screwdriver, pour out the remaining liquid, crush the device, burn it, put it in water, or recharge it after it has been damaged.What is the simple rule?Treat a used vape like a small electronic device with a battery inside it. Keep it away from heat, water and metal objects. Store it safely for a short time, then take it to a collection point that confirms it accepts vapes or embedded batteries.Never put a used vape in the household bin, recycling bin or kerbside hard-waste collection.For more information, check the ACCC battery safety guide, the NSW EPA battery guidance, or your state or territory waste authority.This article provides general information only. Disposal services differ between councils and states. Check the latest local instructions before dropping off a used vape.