Disposable and rechargeable vape pens should never be placed in the trash or recycling.
Most vape devices contain lithium batteries and hazardous liquids that require special handling. Learn how to safely prepare and dispose of vape pens at Marin County’s Household Hazardous Waste facilities.
Prevent Battery Fires
Lithium batteries inside vape pens can ignite if crushed or damaged in garbage trucks or recycling facilities. Proper disposal helps protect workers, equipment, and the community.
Keep Hazardous Liquids Out of the Environment
Even “empty” vape pens may contain leftover nicotine or other hazardous liquids that shouldn’t end up in the landfill. Safe disposal helps prevent contamination.
Responsable Disposal
Vape pens combine batteries, electronics, plastics, and hazardous liquids. Household hazardous waste facilities safely manage vape pens using approved disposal methods.
Vape pens typically contain two common hazards:
Because of these materials, they:
Whether your vape is disposable, rechargeable, empty, or no longer works, it should be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste facility for proper disposal.
1
Check the Battery
If your vape pen has a removable lithium battery, carefully remove it and place tape over the battery terminals to help prevent sparks during transport. If the battery is built into the device or you’re unsure how to remove it, leave it in the vape pen.
2
Prepare for Drop-Off
Place the vape pen and any removed battery in a sealed plastic bag before transporting them to a household hazardous waste facility. This helps contain any leaks and keeps the device protected during transport.
3
Drop It Off
Take your prepared vape pen to the appropriate Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility for safe disposal.
Not sure if your vape has a removable battery? That's okay, leave the device intact and bring it to an HHW facility. Staff will ensure it is handled safely.
These Household Hazardous Waste facilities are the only safe and proper places to dispose of vape pens in Marin County. Thank you for helping protect our community by disposing of them responsibly.
Do Not Place Vape Pens in Curbside Trash or Recycling Carts Never place disposable or rechargeable vape pens in trash or recycling carts. Vape pens contain lithium batteries that can cause fires if damaged and hazardous liquids that require special handling. Instead, take them to a Marin Household Hazardous Waste Facility for safe, responsible disposal.
