Our Impact

Our goal is to address the pressing threat of disposable vape waste by promoting responsible recycling practices and fostering community engagement. By raising awareness and providing accessible recycling solutions, VWP seeks to minimize electronic waste, conserve resources, and safeguard our planet for future generations. Together, we strive to create a greener and more sustainable future, one vape at a time.

By The Numbers

Our Programs

Collection Programs

Our collection programs are where we started and are the backbone of our core mission. Our goal is to make it easy and accessible for anyone to recycle their vape and encourage responsible consumption. By making it easy to participate and providing incentives through raffles and buyback initiatives we have had great success in collecting disposable vapes in large quantities and taking the first step towards minimizing detrimental environmental impact.

For each vape that you recycle with VWP we will compensate you with a 10¢ credit. Although we have determined that the FMV of each used disposable vape is substantially higher this is the preliminary incentive we are able to offer with limited funding. As we bring more awareness to a space that is largely unregulated and under supported, we intend to increase the incentive credit to a target of 35¢.

This is one of our earliest programs that helped us build relationships with retail partners. This program focused on rewarding participants with a raffle in which each disposable vape served as a ticket to enter in a chance to win a cash prize. Since launching the VWP Disposable Vape Deposit Program, this program has been put on pause. However, we intend to revamp this program starting Q1 2025.

Incentive Programs

The VWP Disposable Vape Deposit Program

The VWP Partner Raffle Program

Our Approach

Recycling Programs

Our recycling programs are designed to mitigate the environmental impact of disposable vapes by ensuring proper disposal and recycling of these devices. Our objective is to recover valuable materials such as lithium and plastic from used vapes, prevent them from ending up in landfills, and ensure it is done in the most environmentally conscious way possible. By collaborating with recycling partners, we facilitate the safe and efficient processing of vape components, promoting a circular economy and reducing environmental damage.

We make a point of exclusively partnering with recyclers that are EPA-Approved, provide proof of recycling, and take additional steps to ensure that any vapes we provide are deconstructed and recycled responsibly. We work with several major recycling institutions around the United States to ensure we minimize any transportation costs and emissions associated with the transportation process.

We carefully select our recycling partners based on their commitment to environmental sustainability, expertise in handling e-waste, and adherence to industry standards. We prioritize partnerships with organizations that demonstrate a proven track record in responsibly recycling lithium batteries and plastics. Our rigorous selection process ensures that our partners align with our mission to reduce environmental impact and promote a greener earth.

How It's Done

Our recycling partners have the recovery process down to a science and they make it a priority to minimize environmental impact. The major steps are as follows:

1) Cleaning: Vapes are triple washed and sanitized as per EPA Standards to remove any unwanted debris
2) Shredding: Vapes are mechanically broken down into smaller components to facilitate the efficient separation and recovery of materials.
3) Separation: Shredded components are sorted into different categories, such as plastics, metals, and lithium
4) Hydrometallurgy: Metals are extracted from the separated materials using aqueous solutions
5) Extraction: Valuable metals and materials are recovered from the processed solutions
6) Re-lithiation & Upcycling: Recovered lithium is reintegrated into new battery cells and other products, giving a second life to valuable materials

Photo Credit to Elcan Industries

The Process

The use of hydrometallurgy instead of incineration pyrometallurgy seems small, however it is a major distinction between recyclers. Hydrometallurgy is the use water to recover metals such that they can be repurposed. Although it is more complex and time consuming, this approach is far more eco-friendly and further minimizes the impact of the recycling process. Pyrometallurgy and incineration utilize heat to expedite the recycling process and are more damaging to the environment in a myriad of different ways.

VWP does not partner with any recyclers that utilize incineration or pyrometallurgy in any capacity.

Photo Credit to Hyat E-Recyclers

Education Programs

Our education programs are designed to raise awareness about the environmental hazards of disposable vape waste and the importance of responsible recycling. Through engaging media, community workshops, and informative resources, we empower individuals and communities with the knowledge to make environmentally conscious decisions. By fostering a culture of sustainability, we aim to reduce vape waste and promote a healthier planet for future generations.

Research Programs

Our research programs are dedicated to understanding the full environmental impact of disposable vape waste and identifying innovative recycling solutions. By conducting thorough scientific studies and collaborating with experts, we aim to uncover data-driven insights and develop effective strategies for waste management. Our research not only informs our own initiatives but also contributes to the broader field of environmental conservation, helping to create a more sustainable future.