TerraCycle launches a recycling solution for e-cigarettes and nicotine vape pods

TORONTO — TerraCycle, a recycling company, has announced the launch of a free national recycling program to address vaporizer-related e-cigarette waste. TerraCycle announces the launch of their Smoke-Free Recycling Program.

Through this initiative, consumers are invited to send in HEET Sticks, along with their flexible packaging, VEEV devices and all brands of vaporizer cartridges and pods to be recycled for free. Participation in the program is through sign up on the TerraCycle program page here and mail in the waste using a prepaid shipping label. Additionally, consumers will be able to drop off products in receptacles placed in select retail locations later this year. Once collected, the waste is repurposed to make new products from the recycled material.

However, since the recycling process for vaporizer cartridges and pods is still an unknown given their complex material composition and the presence of residual nicotine, TerraCycle has committed to collecting the waste and conducting research and development trials in effort to develop an industry first recycling solution.

“Through this innovative, first of its kind program, HEET Sticks, VEEV devices and all brands of vaporizer cartridges and pods and their associated packaging are now nationally recyclable through the Smoke-Free Recycling Program,” said TerraCycle CEO and founder Tom Szaky. “By taking on the growing issue of non-combustible cigarettes and introducing a full-scale R&D trial for vaporizer cartridges and pods, we are showing we are committed to doing something about this growing waste stream and leading by example.”

While cigarette-related waste is still the most common form of litter in Canada, disposable vapes and cartridges are a growing category. The launch of this new recycling program is a proactive solution to try and protect the environment against any plastic, hazardous, and electronic waste present in the devices.