Vapes and e-cigarettes contain lithium-ion batteries and other hazardous materials, which means they can’t go in household bins or standard e-waste stations.
Vapes and E-cigarettes
We know that vapes and e-cigarettes are becoming more common in our community, and that disposing of them safely can be confusing.
With support from Sustainability Victoria, we’re expanding our Vape Recycling Program with six new vape recycling stations available across Glen Eira from June 2026.
The new vape recycling stations are located at some of our most-used facilities, making them easy to access as part of everyday visits:
- Bentleigh Library and Youth Hub
- Carnegie Library and Community Centre
- Caulfield Library
- Elsternwick Library
- Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC)
- Moorleigh Community Village
The stations are located next to our e-waste stations and are accessible during each facility’s opening hours.
This project is supported by the Circular Economy Infrastructure Fund — Hazardous Waste Stream. The fund is delivered by Sustainability Victoria under the Victorian Government’s circular economy plan, Recycling Victoria: a new economy.
How to use the Vape Recycling Station
- Visit the facility during open hours
- Follow signage and put items in the vape collection container, not inside the large e-waste recycling station.
- Ensure any cracked or leaking vapes are put inside a sealable plastic bag before being placed in the vape collection box.
- Never pull vapes apart or attempt to remove the battery. Tampering with lithium batteries presents a serious risk of chemical fire, particularly if the battery is short-circuited or punctured.
Why can't e-cigarettes and vapes go in household bins?
Vapes contain various hazardous components, including a lithium-ion battery and chemicals.
Due to the mixed nature of the materials, safe disposal is a serious challenge, for example:
- When littered, heavy metals and toxic chemicals leach into the environment.
- In landfill, vapes leach toxic liquids as well as hazardous waste and pose fire risk due to in-built battery.
- In recycling trucks and processing facilities, vapes are a fire risk due to the in-built lithium-ion battery.
For these reasons, vapes can’t be disposed of in any of our household bins.
Health impacts, regulations and support
Research has found e-cigarettes and vapes are unsafe and contain harmful chemicals that can impact both mental and physical health outcomes. For more information and access to support services please visit our Alcohol, vaping, smoking and drug support webpage.
As of 1 July 2024, vapes can only be supplied through a pharmacy. It is illegal for Australian retailers such as tobacconists, vape shops and convenience stores to supply any vapes, even with a prescription.
If you are thinking about quitting smoking or vaping, needing help to stay on track, or to help others with quitting, you can call Quitline on 13 78 48 or visit www.quit.org.au.
