Cannalyft Blogs
How to Dispose of Vape & E-Cig Batteries
Sep
Last Updated on May 19, 2023
Batteries and accumulators, from industrial to ordinary, represent special waste groups. That means they must be disposed of separately from regular garbage. These batteries or any similar waste can be inflamed or thrown away in landfills. Manufacturers and importers of these products, which become hazardous waste once used, must take care of their ultimate safe disposal.
Disposable vapes and electronic cigarette batteries are among dangerous waste as well. Therefore, their users must learn how to dispose of them correctly.
Maybe even more important is to enhance why this proper disposal is necessary. You will realize how dangerous vapes and electric cigarette batteries can be after you’re done using them. It will motivate you to dispose of them as they should be.
What Are E-Cigs and Vapes?
E-cigs and vapes seem like perfect tiny smoking gadgets. There is no smoke, no unpleasant smell, and no ashes around. You can also pick up your favourite flavour and use these devices to help yourself quit your tobacco.
In addition, you will only need one battery to enjoy this new smoking style for a long time. But what to do when the battery is dead? Have you ever wondered what can happen if these batteries are not disposed of in the right way?
How Exactly Do Vapes and Electric Cigarettes Work?
It is essential to start with this question. Even though many people adore using vape and electronic cigarettes, only a few users know how they work. Once you get familiar with how these tiny smoking machines work, you will realize why it is crucial to dispose of their used batteries properly.
E-cigarettes and vapes are the same types of smoking devices. Their construction is formed from a battery that powers up a heating element inside them called an “atomizer.” The atomizer then vaporizes the so-called “juice,” which is a mixture of nicotine and a few other liquid 22ingredients so you can inhale it. Finally, the juice is settled in the small tank called “cartridge.” As you can see, batteries power this simple yet exciting structure of vapes and e-cigars. Batteries used can be different shapes and sizes, depending on the model you’re using.
What Types of Batteries are Used in Vapes and E-cigarettes?
Vapes and e-cigarettes typically use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which are a popular choice for portable electronic devices due to their high energy density and long cycle life.
Some common types of lithium-ion batteries used in vapes and e-cigarettes include:
Cylindrical Batteries
These are commonly referred to as 18650 batteries, named after their dimensions of 18mm in diameter and 65mm in length. They are widely used in vapes and e-cigarettes due to their high capacity and compatibility with various devices.
Prismatic Batteries
These are rectangular-shaped batteries that come in different sizes and can be custom-made to fit specific device designs. They are often used in smaller vape devices or pod systems due to their compact size.
Integrated Batteries
Some vape devices have batteries that are integrated into the device and cannot be removed or replaced. These batteries are typically built-in and rechargeable via USB ports.
Why are Vape Batteries so Potentially Dangerous?
Vape batteries can be potentially dangerous due to several reasons:
Lithium-ion Batteries
Most vape devices use lithium-ion batteries, which are known to be volatile and can pose risks if mishandled or abused. Lithium-ion batteries contain flammable electrolytes and can potentially catch fire or explode if exposed to extreme temperatures, overcharged, or damaged.
Improper Handling
Vape batteries can be dangerous if they are not handled properly. Dropping, crushing, or puncturing the battery can cause internal damage and lead to thermal runaway, resulting in a fire or explosion.
Incorrect Charging
Charging vape batteries with improper chargers, using chargers not designed for the specific device, or leaving batteries unattended while charging can result in overcharging or overheating, leading to potential fire hazards.
Substandard Batteries
Some vape batteries may need to be of better quality, counterfeit, or not manufactured to safety standards, which can increase the risk of safety incidents.
Misuse or Modifications
Modifying or tampering with vape batteries, using batteries not recommended by the manufacturer, or using them in ways not intended can result in safety hazards.
Lack of Awareness
Many users may need to be fully aware of the potential dangers associated with vape batteries or may need to follow proper safety guidelines for handling and disposal, which can increase the risk of accidents.
How to Dispose of Vape and E-Cig Batteries Properly?
And in the end, we are left with the same question from the beginning. What to do with the batteries after you’re done using them? Each part of the electronic cigarette has its lifespan, which depends on the intensity of use. According to the factory declaration, the average batteries support a cycle of 300 charges and discharges.
Battery strengths vary from model to model. In general, the battery life depends on the intensity of the use of electronic cigarettes or vapes. Even the weakest battery will last several hours for less demanding smokers, while some stronger batteries will last several days. All the users eventually come to the same question – what after the battery is dead?
Proper disposal of vape and e-cigar batteries is important to protect the environment and ensure safety.
Here are some guidelines for disposing of vape and e-cigar batteries properly:
Look for Specialized Stores
There usually are specialized stores of electrical equipment and lighting equipment that take over the lithium batteries. Also, there are actions organized to collect the batteries that can’t be disposed of in some grocery stores by throwing them into the trash.
Recycle the Batteries
Many vape and e-cigar batteries can be recycled. Check with your local recycling centre or electronic waste disposal facility to see if they accept batteries. If they do, make sure to follow their guidelines for proper recycling.
Contact the Manufacturer
Some vape and e-cigar manufacturers have battery take-back programs where you can return the batteries for proper disposal. Contact the manufacturer or check their website for information on their battery disposal policies.
Do Not Throw in Regular Trash
Do not dispose of vape and e-cigar batteries in the regular trash, as they can pose a risk of fire or environmental contamination. They should not be thrown in the garbage or flushed down the toilet.
Follow Local Regulations
Be aware of any local regulations or laws regarding battery disposal in your area and follow them accordingly.
Wind Up
E-cigarettes and vapes are interesting smoking gadgets that can help you quit traditional tobacco products. On the other hand, using those requires some special responsibilities. Not paying enough attention to these devices’ batteries can put you in danger. When it comes to disposing of these lithium batteries, take necessary precautions for every vape and e-cigar.
Due to the batteries’ toxic contents, never even think of throwing them casually in the trash can. By this casually throwing away, we also mean flushing them down the sink. You can provoke hazardous scenarios and damage the environment permanently. The safest option is to find out about specialized drop-off points for battery disposal.
After reading this article, we are sure you will never ask yourself how to dispose of vape and e-cigars batteries properly.
Also Read