TerraCycle Commercial™, a division of international recycling leader TerraCycle®, announced the nationwide launch of a new collection and recycling service for vape devices, with nicotine pods disposed of through incineration in compliance with applicable legal requirements. Powered by TerraCycle’s capability to recycle complex materials, this new service is designed to meet applicable federal and state regulatory requirements and is completely turnkey for customers.
“For years, used vapes have been one of the fastest-growing waste management challenges. These devices present real risks when improperly handled, and until now, there has been no clear path to a scalable recycling solution,” said Tom Szaky, Founder and CEO of TerraCycle. “Through the dedication of our R&D team, our operations and compliance experts, and the strategic investments made to grow TerraCycle, we are proud to deliver a national solution for vape device recycling in the United States.”
In the U.S., improper disposal of used vape devices can create safety risks, and in a number of states, their disposal is now regulated by law. The lithium-ion batteries inside vape devices can pose a significant fire hazard when damaged, compacted, or exposed to extreme temperatures, which are conditions routinely encountered in trash compactors, garbage trucks, and landfills. According to a PIRG report on vape waste, fires in waste facilities caused by disposable vape devices cost at least $95 million each year in the United States alone.
The Nicotine Vape Device Collection solution is a turnkey, prepaid service designed for the compliant collection and recycling of used nicotine vape devices and to meet the needs of households, municipalities, schools, hotels, managed facilities, businesses, etc. The price covers device recycling, the collection container, inbound and outbound shipping, and nicotine pod disposal.
Each container is designed to collect and recycle used nicotine vape devices generated by households and individual consumers in compliance with 40 CFR § 261.4(b)(1). The containers are available in three sizes:
- 1.25-Gallon — Holds approximately 30 devices | Weight limit: 22 lbs.
- 2.5-Gallon — Holds approximately 75 devices | Weight limit: 35 lbs.
- 5-Gallon — Holds approximately 155 devices | Weight limit: 55 lbs.
For organizations planning to collect and recycle vape devices on a larger scale, TerraCycle Commercial also offers bulk pallets and FTL shipments. All solutions offer a cost-effective alternative to hazardous-waste incineration. Through TerraCycle’s proprietary recycling process, compliant vape devices are disassembled, sorted by material type, and recycled in accordance with TerraCycle’s Recycling Guarantee. Nicotine pods are disposed of through incineration in compliance with applicable legal requirements.