Vaping devices are classified as hazardous waste due to their lithium-ion batteries and residual nicotine.
Nicotine is toxic. Liquid nicotine in e-cigarettes can be easily absorbed by the skin, potentially causing nicotine poisoning with symptoms that include difficulty breathing, fainting, or seizures. Lithium batteries can catch fire, especially when damaged. Further, nicotine pouches have high levels of formaldehyde.
UC Davis E-cigarette Disposal
- UCD Risk & Safety Solutions has the WASTe program. Set up the account at: https://ehs.ucop.edu/waste
- Create a waste tag that can be placed on a 5 gallon e-waste bucket
- Label the bucket “Vape Pens - 100%” with waste codes: P075, D001, & D003
- Request once a week pickups