Proper Disposal of Cigarette Butts and Vapes

Why it’s important:
Cigarette butts and vape waste contribute significantly to environmental pollution in Ireland. Harmful chemicals from these items can damage wildlife, pollute waterways and pose fire hazards. Disposing of them correctly helps keep Fingal clean and green.

 

Disposing of cigarette butts:

  • Always make sure cigarette butts are fully extinguished before disposal.
  • Use the ashtrays provided in pubs, parks, and public places.
  • If you’re out and about, carry a small portable ashtray to safely store butts until you find a bin.
  • Never drop cigarette butts on the ground or in drains—they end up in rivers and oceans and can take years to decompose and leach harmful chemicals into the environment.

 

How to recycle vapes and e-cigarettes?

  • If you can remove the battery from your vape, take it out and recycle it separately. If you cannot remove the battery, recycle the whole item. Please ensure the liquid tank is removed prior to being placed in the ERP or WEEE Ireland Battery collection boxes. By recycling, you’re helping to preserve valuable natural resources like plastics, glass, and metals by allowing them to be recovered and reused in industry.
  • Vapes contain a mix of materials, including plastics as well as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. Recycling them means saving these precious resources from being wasted – and supporting a truly circular economy.
  • Vapes and e-cigarettes should never be thrown in the general waste bin. The crossed-out ‘wheelie bin’ symbol on these products is a clear reminder that they must not be disposed of with household rubbish but recycled instead.

 

Disposing of vapes and e-cigarettes:

Vapes and e-cigarettes are classified as electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) under Irish law, meaning they must be recycled properly. There are many options for recycling your used vapes or e-cigarettes.

  • Retailer take-back scheme: Retailers selling vapes are legally obliged to accept used devices for recycling on a one-for-one, like-for-like basis. Simply return your used device when purchasing a new one.
  • WEEE Ireland Blue Battery Boxes: These are available in many locations, including newsagents, supermarkets, electrical retailers, and recycling centres. Look for the blue boxes marked for battery and e-waste collection.
  • Remove the tank: For rechargeable devices, remove the liquid tank before recycling. If the battery is removable, take it out and recycle it separately.
  • Free recycling service: This service is provided free of charge by WEEE Ireland and the European Recycling Platform (ERP), aiming to reduce landfill waste and recover valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
  • Fingal Recycling Centres: You can drop off e-waste including vapes at the Estuary and Coolmine Recycling Centres free of charge.

 

Important Reminders

  • Never dispose of vapes or e-cigarettes in household bins: These items contain batteries and electronic components that can be hazardous if not recycled properly.
  • Stay informed: For more information on recycling options and regulations, visit  www.erp-recycling.org/ie/, www.weeireland.ie or www.mywaste.ie

 

By disposing of cigarette butts and vapes responsibly, you contribute to a cleaner and healthier Fingal. Let's all do our part!