What are vapes (e-cigarettes)?

Vapes or e-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid and produce an aerosol or vapor. There are many shapes, sizes, and types. The devices can be called many different things including but not limited to vape pen, e-cigarette, e-cig, e-cigar, e-pipe, mod, and pod mod. Many vapes contain nicotine and some may contain cannabis.  Read more about these devices here.

Why are vapes hazardous?

In addition to being hazardous to health, these devices also pose threats to our environment. Vapes typically contain multiple types of hazardous components, including:

• Nicotine
• Batteries
• Liquid containing toxic chemicals
• Electronics containing toxic metals

As a result, these devices must be disposed of as hazardous waste and can NOT be put inside your household trash. Placing these devices in the trash or recycling is illegal and dangerous for waste haulers. Do NOT dispose of e-liquid down the drain.  

Where can I dispose of vapes?

SAN MATEO COUNTY RESIDENTS

Make an appointment through the County’s Household Hazardous Waste Program. There is no cost.

Businesses and schools may NOT use the County’s Household Hazardous Waste Program.

SCHOOLS AND ALL OTHER BUSINESSES

When any business (private or public) generates hazardous waste, they must comply with federal and state hazardous waste generator requirements including identifying and characterizing hazardous waste, counting waste to determine generator status, and specific handling and management requirements discussed below related to vapes and hazardous waste management.

Schools may become hazardous waste generators when they confiscate e-cigarettes.

How should schools handle vapes that are returned to parents?

Our Vape and E-Cigarette Disposal for Parents flyer can be distributed to parents.

Can our school or business use the Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) Program?

If you are a business or school, you may be eligible to use the VSQG Program.  Sites that generate less than 27 gallons (100 kg) of hazardous waste per month and 2.2 pounds (1 kg) or less of acutely hazardous waste per month like nicotine can dispose of their hazardous waste through the VSQG Program. VSQG businesses can drop off up to 20 vapes at a time. See the VSQG website for additional limitations and program requirements.

If a business or school does not meet these VSQG thresholds, it is regulated as either a Small Quantity Generator (SQG) or Large Quantity Generator (LQG), depending on the amount of hazardous waste produced. SQGs and LQGs must use a registered hazardous waste hauler to transport nicotine waste. Facilities that generate more than 100 kg of hazardous waste per month or more than 2.2 pounds of acutely hazardous waste, such as nicotine, are required to schedule a hazardous waste pickup through a registered hazardous waste hauler.

For additional requirements that apply to schools and businesses, see the Emerging Wastes section of the Hazardous Waste Generator Program page.