E-cigarettes (vapes) must not be placed in any of your household bins. From July 2024, residents can drop off vapes and e-cigarettes at Caulfield Library during opening hours. The vape collection container is located next to the e-waste recycling station. Vapes will then be safely transported and recycled by our processor.
Vapes and E-cigarettes
How to use the Vape Recycling Station
- Please follow signage and put items in the vape collection container, not inside the larger e-waste recycling station.
- Please ensure any cracked or leaking vapes are put inside a sealable plastic bag (provided at the vape recycling station) and then place the bagged item into the vape collection container.
- Please note the Vape Recycling Station is only accessible during Caulfield Library opening hours, view here.
Why can't e-cigarettes and vapes go in household bins?
Because vapes contain many different parts and materials, they cannot be recycled in household recycling bins or general waste bins. Vapes contain various hazardous components, including a lithium-ion battery and chemicals.
Due to the mixed nature of the materials, safe disposal is a serious challenge, for example:
- When littered, heavy metals and toxic chemicals leach into the environment.
- In landfill, vapes leach toxic liquids as well as hazardous waste and pose fire risk due to in-built battery.
- In recycling trucks and processing facilities, vapes are a fire risk due to the in-built lithium-ion battery.
Health impacts and support
Research has found e-cigarettes and vapes are unsafe and contain harmful chemicals that can impact both mental and physical health outcomes. For more information and access to support services please visit our Alcohol, vaping, smoking and drug support webpage.
