First-of-its-kind program offers new way to recycle vaping devices in Québec

Call2Recycle, a Canadian-based battery collection and recycling organization, created Recycle Your Vapes, a recycling and collection program for vaping devices in Québec. Officially launched on January 1, 2025, this first-of-its-kind program in Canada was developed alongside Québec's waste management goals in partnership with multiple leading vape producers to curb the harmful effects of the industry's waste. 

The program will work to offer adult consumers a safe and responsible solution to recycle batteries and other components in their used vaping devices.

New products create new opportunities for waste management 

As the use of battery-powered vaping devices continues to grow, the need for safe and convenient recycling options is necessary for environmental protection. The program demonstrates a collective commitment to providing a sustainable solution for the disposal of battery-powered vaping products in the province. 

Recycle Your Vapes will ensure that these devices, many of which contain increasingly complex components and batteries, are safely recovered and responsibly recycled, supporting Québec's waste diversion goals.

How the program works 

The program established a dedicated collection network to improve convenience and accessibility for consumers in Québec. The collection containers can be found in almost 200 participating vape shops, municipal eco-centres, and other waste management facilities, with more locations to be planned in 2025 and beyond. 

Once collected, sorting and recycling partners will safely process the batteries, pods, and cartridges to ensure the proper disposal and recovery of any reclaimable materials. 

Reducing pollution in a circular economy 

"Call2Recycle is proud to lead the charge in creating safe and responsible recycling solutions for battery-powered products like vaping devices," said Joe Zenobio, president of Call2Recycle Canada. "Batteries, regardless of size, play a crucial role in our daily lives and must be disposed of properly."

Vaping devices should never be disposed of in the garbage or regular recycling bins, because they contain batteries and other components that require special handling and recycling processes. Improperly disposed of batteries can leak dangerous metals into the environment. Similarly, vape pods contain hazardous materials and can't be recycled alongside other plastics.