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Electronic Cigarettes

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Disposal Challenge

Electronic or "e" cigarettes contain hazardous constituents that can't go in the trash. The lithium batteries inside contain heavy metals and are very reactive. Lithium batteries from cell phones, computers, and other devices have caused fires at waste management facilities across the US. E-cigarettes also contain residual nicotine and may contain residual oil.

Nicotine, which has been used as an insecticide, is classified as an acutely hazardous waste. Spilling a high concentration of nicotine onto the skin can cause intoxication or even death, as nicotine readily absorbs into the bloodstream.



Manufacturer Take-Back

Ideally, manufacturers and retailers would take back used and unwanted e-cigarettes. In this type of system, called product stewardship or Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), manufacturers create, fund, and operate recycling and disposal programs for their products at the end of life. In Santa Barbara County, we have EPR programs for products such as paint, mattresses, and pharmaceuticals.

Local Collection Options

In the absence of a manufacturer take-back program, unwanted e-cigarettes and batteries should be brought to a household hazardous waste collection facility or hazardous waste collection event. Please remove batteries from the devices ahead of time. The battery should remain if it is imbedded into the device and the unit should still be disposed of as hazardous waste. Any batteries separated from e-cigarettes should also be disposed of at a hazardous waste facility. Please see below for disposal locations.

Where to go