In the modern world of vaping, the importance of understanding battery care, safety, and recycling has never been more critical. This guide aims to provide all the essential information you need to know about recycling vape batteries, ensuring that we can enjoy the benefits of vaping while minimising its impact on our planet.
When it comes to vape kits, there is a myriad of choices available in the market, each catering to different vaping styles and preferences. However, all these devices have one thing in common: they are powered by batteries. These batteries can generally be categorised into two types: internal and external batteries.
Internal batteries are built into the vape device itself and have a power capacity that typically ranges from 250-3000mAh. Devices like disposable vapes, refillable pod kits, and some sub-ohm kits often contain an internal battery. The batteries in disposable vapes are made of lithium metal and are non-rechargeable, making their correct recycling especially vital.
Rechargeable internal batteries, on the other hand, use lithium-ion technology. These batteries can be recharged using a suitable charging cable, usually supplied with the kit or available for separate purchase. Most rechargeable vape kits utilise Type-C charging, although some older devices may use Mini USB.
Sub-ohm vape kits, which require more power, often use an external battery design. These kits typically employ an 18650 or 21700 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, with a charge capacity ranging from 2200-4200mAh. The advantage of using external batteries is the ability to purchase and charge additional batteries, ensuring you always have a backup to keep your vape going.
External batteries are wrapped in a protective PVC covering and an insulator disk, which helps isolate the positive and negative terminals. Regular inspection of these coverings is essential to prevent potential overheating or explosion.
Proper care and maintenance of your vape batteries not only prolong their lifespan but also ensure the safety of the users. Here are some top care tips for both internal and external batteries:
Contrary to what many might believe, vape batteries should never be discarded with regular waste. They contain valuable lithium metal, a finite resource on our planet, that should be recycled and reused rather than wasted. In addition, improperly discarded batteries can easily end up polluting waterways and poisoning the surrounding environmentwith their discharge. Moreover, due to the high power density of lithium batteries, they can ignite and cause fires if not properly recycled and instead get crushed in regular waste disposal processes.
The good news is, recycling vape batteries is a straightforward process. Whether you can remove the battery from the device or not, you can recycle your old vape and batteries as electronic waste. Just bag them and visit your local recycling center. Online recycling locators can be easily used to find the nearest center in your area.
There are several options available for recycling vape batteries:
Local council/community collections: Some local councils have schemes for collecting electronic waste recycling, including vape batteries.
Local recycling centers: These centers have facilities to properly dismantle and recycle electronic waste, including vapes and their batteries.
Recycling banks: These banks can be found on streets or in supermarkets and are emptied regularly. A quick online search can help you locate your nearest one.
In-store at the place of purchase: Many retailers, especially those with a strong focus on sustainability, may have their collection point for battery recycling. It's worth asking the retailer where you purchased your vape.
Taking care of your vape batteries and ensuring they are recycled properly is essential to not only extending their lifespan but also minimizing the negative impact on the environment. Remember, handling batteries with care, using them properly, and recycling them responsibly when they reach the end of their life is a significant contribution we can all make towards a more sustainable world. Vaping is a habit that millions enjoy, and by following these steps, we can ensure that it is also one that respects and safeguards our planet.
At JM Distro, we are committed to promoting responsible vaping. We encourage our customers to recycle their vape batteries and help us protect the environment. If you have any further queries about vape kits, batteries, or chargers, please feel free to contact our customer support team. We're here to help you make the most of your vaping experience while minimising your environmental footprint
