Used vapes and batteries are electrical waste. They do not belong in household rubbish or ordinary shop bins. You can bring eligible used vape devices and removable batteries to Vapour Central in Westcliff-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea or Rayleigh for responsible collection.
All three storesWestcliff, Leigh-on-Sea and Rayleigh.
Bought elsewhere?Eligible devices are still welcome.
No purchase neededYou do not need to buy something first.
Keep it safeDo not bring leaking, swollen or hot batteries into store.
Collected through our stores in one year.
Between May 2024 and May 2025, our recorded store collections totalled more than 1.5 tonnes of used vape equipment. This is an internal operational figure, not an estimate of carbon saved.
That is heavier than a fully grown male black rhino.Adult males weigh up to about 1,350 kg. Source: Save the Rhino International
How to recycle with us
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01
Make the item safe to carry
Switch the device off where possible. Keep loose batteries separate and protect their terminals so they cannot touch metal objects.
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02
Bring it to the counter
Hand the item to a member of staff rather than placing it in a general bin or leaving it outside the shop.
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03
We add it to the correct collection
Accepted items are stored for collection through the appropriate electrical-waste route.
What we normally accept
- Used reusable vape devices
- Used single-use devices already in circulation
- Removable vape batteries
- Eligible vape electrical parts
- Eligible items bought from another retailer
If you are unsure about a loose pod, coil, charger or other part, ask the store before travelling.
What not to bring straight in
- A battery that is hot, swollen, hissing, smoking or visibly unstable.
- A badly leaking device that cannot be contained safely.
- General household batteries or unrelated electrical waste without checking first.
- Bottles containing substantial amounts of e-liquid.
For an immediately dangerous battery, keep people away from it and seek appropriate emergency or local-authority advice. Do not handle it unnecessarily.
Why vape waste needs separate handling
Vapes are electrical products and commonly contain lithium-ion batteries. Electrical waste can contain useful materials that may be recovered, while damaged or incorrectly discarded batteries can create a fire risk. The crossed-out wheelie-bin symbol means the item should be taken to an appropriate collection point rather than put in household rubbish.
UK rules require vape retailers to provide an appropriate take-back route. The UK-wide ban on selling or supplying single-use vapes came into force on 1 June 2025. Reusable devices remain legal where they meet the required definition.
Going green, without pretending retail has no impact
We would rather make practical improvements than fill a page with vague environmental claims. Our priorities are straightforward:
Collect used devices
Make it easier for customers to return eligible vape electrical waste locally instead of placing it in ordinary bins.
Support reusable options
Help adult customers understand refillable and reusable systems, replacement pods and replaceable coils where suitable.
Reduce avoidable mistakes
Clear compatibility advice can prevent the wrong coil, pod or device being bought and immediately becoming waste.
Bring eligible items to any Vapour Central store.
Check the branch page for current opening hours and directions. If an item is damaged, leaking or unusual, contact us before bringing it in.
Recycling arrangements and accepted items may change as collection requirements develop. Staff may refuse an item that cannot be handled or stored safely.