What’s Inside a Vape? Understanding Materials, Batteries, and How Vapour Central Recycles Them
Ever wondered what’s really inside your vape? Whether you're using a disposable or a refillable device, understanding the components not only helps you vape smarter – it helps the planet too. At Vapour Central, we believe in transparency, sustainability, and helping our customers make informed choices.
🔬 What Makes Up a Vape?
Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s inside most vape kits and disposable vapes:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Battery | A lithium-ion cell powers the device – either single-use or rechargeable. |
| Coil | A metal wire (often Kanthal or mesh) that heats the e-liquid to produce vapour. |
| Wick | Usually organic cotton, it draws e-liquid to the coil. |
| Tank or Pod | Made from plastic or glass and holds the e-liquid. |
| Casing & Circuit Board | Plastic or aluminium shell plus a PCB for power regulation and safety cut-offs. |
🚫 Why You Shouldn’t Throw Vapes in the Bin
Vapes contain batteries, plastic, and electronic components – all of which can harm the environment if disposed of incorrectly. Placing vapes in normal bins risks:
- 🔥 Battery fires in waste trucks
- ☠️ Chemical leaks into soil and water
- ⚠️ Damage to recycling machinery
♻️ How Vapour Central Recycles Responsibly
We don’t just talk about sustainability – we act on it. Between May 2024 and May 2025, we recycled over 1.5 metric tons of disposables and collected thousands of lithium-ion batteries. That is the same weight as an black rhinoceros!
Recycling with us means:
- Batteries are sent to certified lithium recovery centres
- Plastic and metals are separated for reuse or energy conversion
- Nothing goes to landfill thanks to our zero-to-landfill waste partner
Read more about our environmental practices on our Recycling & Sustainability page.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recycle my vape at any Vapour Central store?
Yes! All our stores have drop-off points for used devices and batteries.
Do I need to remove the battery first?
No need – just bring the full device in. We'll take care of safe separation and disposal.
What vapes are easiest to recycle?
Refillable and rechargeable devices create less waste over time and are better for the environment.
🌱 Support a Greener Vape Future
By choosing Vapour Central, you're supporting a greener future. Ask in-store about eco-friendly kits, switch to reusable options, and help us build a more sustainable industry – one vape at a time.