The challenge
The use of vapes has been steadily increasing, leading to an increase in plastic and electronic waste.
There are many types of vapes, but most fall into two categories: rechargeable and disposable. Both these varieties contain three main types of waste - e-waste, including batteries and circuit boards, toxic liquids and plastics. All of these are harmful if they reach our environment.
Our vape recycling trial has allowed residents to dispose of vapes safely while saving minerals like lithium from landfill.
The result
By the end of July, 128kg of vapes had been dropped off at our collection point at St Kilda Town Hall to be specially recycled. This equates to over 2000 vapes.
Why a specialty program for vapes?
Because vapes contain many different parts and materials, they cannot be recycled in kerbside recycling bins, nor can they go in garbage bins. When they do, they can cause fires and injury as well as environmental damage. Vapes can only be disposed of safely through specialised recycling programs.
Continuation of the program
The City of Port Phillip's vape recycling trial is one of the first of its kind in Victoria and has emerged out of a vape recycling working group involving 15 Victorian councils.
The program will continue in Port Phillip, and we are planning to increase drop-off points by the end of 2024.
