LOS ANGELES — According to the CDC Foundation, 11.9 million disposable e-cigarettes or vapes are sold every month in the U.S., and many go without recycling.

This is known as vape waste, given e-cigarettes are considered both electronic and hazardous waste and are made of plastic.

The lithium batteries found in vapes can start fires if not disposed of correctly and the substance in the cartridge can leak, potentially ending up in groundwater or in the hands of children, according to Vanessa Olivas, the environmental affairs and outreach manager with Los Angeles County Public Works. 

LA County hosts electronic and hazardous waste collection sites that can take in the lithium battery and nicotine cartridge separately. However, if the vape used cannabis oil, that cartridge must be taken to a Drug Administration Enforcement disposal center.

This method of recycling works with refillable vapes that are easier to take apart. Disposable vapes, which are made for a single use and come as one piece, are nearly impossible to recycle.  

The LA County Department of Public Health also warns of the physical effects nicotine in vapes can have, especially to developing minds. They offer resources on how to quit nicotine online.