How do you recycle an electronic cigarette, pod, cartridge, or battery?

An electronic cigarette is electrical and electronic equipment: it must not be thrown in the household waste bin. Batteries and battery cells must be taken to a dedicated collection channel, while the complete device falls under the collection of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

Where can you recycle a complete electronic cigarette?

A used pod, box or electronic kit can be taken to a WEEE collection channel: a recycling centre that accepts small equipment, a specialised collection point or a retailer offering take-back under the conditions laid down by regulations.

When a consumer buys a device to replace an old small appliance, the seller must take back the old one free of charge, including as part of a delivery, with the take-back arrangements communicated before the sale.

What should you do with a used 18650 or 21700 battery cell?

A removable battery cell must be separated from the device when this can be done normally and safely, then placed in a collection bin intended for batteries and rechargeable batteries. Never throw it in household waste.

Before transport, protect the terminals or place the battery cell in a case to prevent short circuits. To learn more about the formats, see our 18650 vs 21700 guide.

What about a built-in battery?

Do not take apart an electronic cigarette with a built-in battery simply to remove the cell if the device is not designed for user disassembly. Take the complete equipment to a WEEE collection channel. Treatment operators have suitable procedures.

What should you do with a used pod cartridge?

A cartridge may contain plastic, metal, cotton and e-liquid residue. It does not always correspond to the usual instructions for household recycling bins. Check your local authority’s instructions and, where available, use a collection channel offered by a professional.

Before throwing away a cartridge, empty it only if this can be done cleanly and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid any contact with nicotine-containing liquid residue.

Why do batteries require special attention?

A damaged or short-circuited lithium battery can heat up and cause a fire. The DGCCRF recommends not keeping used batteries unnecessarily and having them recycled. Distributors have take-back obligations for the types of batteries they sell.

What should you do if the battery cell is swollen, deformed or leaking?

Stop using it and do not attempt to repair it. Avoid direct contact with any leak, keep it away from heat sources and contact a collection point to find out about the arrangements suitable for damaged batteries.

Reducing vaping-related waste

• choose rechargeable, durable equipment;
• replace only the necessary consumable when the system allows it;
• maintain the contacts and cartridge;
• use suitable e-liquid to prevent premature wear;
• recycle battery cells and devices at the end of their service life.

To compare consumable systems, see integrated or interchangeable coil.

FAQ

Can you throw a pod in the bin?

A complete electronic device must go through the WEEE collection channel, not household waste.

Do sellers have to take back an old device?

When replacing a small appliance, Service-Public states that the seller must take back the old device free of charge, including under arrangements provided for delivery.

Where can you find a collection point?

Service-Public and Ademe offer tools for finding collection solutions for electrical equipment, batteries and rechargeable batteries near you.

Sources

Service-Public.fr – Waste electrical and electronic equipment, small appliances ; DGCCRF – lithium battery safety and recycling.