E-Cigarettes

Illegal in Garbage & Drains
Hazardous Waste Electronic Waste

E-Cigarettes are comprised of a lithium ion battery, cartridge holding the flavored nicotine “vape” juice, and a heating element. Nicotine is considered an acute hazardous waste, and should not be disposed of in the trash. Lithium batteries and heating elements if not reusable or rechargeable should be treated as e-waste and kept out of trash, recycling and/or organics stream.

Hazardous Waste Collection 
E-cigarettes need special handling to avoid toxic exposure for waste workers, the community, and the environment.

City Specific Disposal Options
Please check with your city page (residential or commercial) to confirm if additional options are available, such as home collection, drop-off locations, and/or events. (These options vary per city.)

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-Off
Your city or county may offer HHW drop-off sites and collection events. Check their website for acceptable items list. 
– Los Angeles County: S.A.F.E. Collection Centers and events
– Riverside County
San Bernardino County
– Ventura County 

sink drain

E-Liquid Is Hazardous Waste

E-liquid contains liquid nicotine, which is a harsh chemical and hazardous waste. If you have leftover e-liquid, do not pour it down the drain. Dispose of it as hazardous waste.

e-cig battery, charger, atomizer

Batteries, Chargers and Atomizers Are E-Waste

The batteries, chargers and atomizers of e-cigarettes contain nonrenewable metals and chemicals that are toxic to landfills, so recycle them as e-waste. Find out how to properly dispose of e-waste.

Ways to Reduce

Refill Cartridges Yourself

Instead of using disposable cartridges, use refillable cartridges or an e-cig tank so that you create less waste. Be sure to follow product instructions and wear gloves when handling liquid nicotine.

Did You Know?

Are E-Cigarettes More Eco-Friendly?

Many e-cigarette manufacturers claim their product is an environmental solution to traditional cigarettes, because e-cigarettes can be reused and certain parts can be recycled. But are they really better? It’s not yet clear, but e-cigarettes introduce new problems with pollution in their manufacturing and disposal. Read more from Recycle Nation and the National Center for Biotechnology Information.