Monthly Archives: October 2024

Stealthvape UK’s Guide to Responsible E-Waste Recycling

WEEE Recycling Scheme

Wee recycling at Stealthvape UK

Introduction

At Stealthvape, we understand that with great technology comes great responsibility, especially toward the environment. As a registered small producer under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations, we’re committed to helping our customers reduce their electronic waste impact through our WEEE-compliant recycling program. Here’s how our program works and what “like-for-like” means in practical terms.

Understanding the WEEE Regulations

The WEEE regulations were introduced to minimize the volume of electrical waste sent to landfills by promoting the recycling, recovery, and safe disposal of electronics. With over two million tonnes of e-waste generated every year in the UK, proper recycling plays a critical role in protecting the environment from harmful chemicals and ensuring valuable resources like metals are reused rather than wasted. You can find more details about WEEE and your rights to responsible disposal on the UK government’s WEEE regulations page​.

For vape retailers like us, WEEE compliance means offering customers a responsible recycling solution, particularly for products with batteries, which can cause environmental harm if not disposed of properly. At Stealthvape, we go beyond WEEE compliance by giving our customers a simple, clear pathway to recycle their old devices through our take-back service.

How Stealthvape UK’s Recycling Program Works

Our WEEE-compliant program provides customers with a straightforward process for returning old devices. Here’s what to expect when recycling with us:

  1. Like-for-Like Returns Only: When we say “like-for-like,” this means that to recycle a device, customers must be purchasing a similar type and model from us. For example, if you’re purchasing an Evolv Reflex, LVE Orion II, or LVE Orion Pico, you can return your previous device for recycling. WEEE’s “like-for-like” rule ensures that returns are manageable and relevant to the type of purchase, as explained on the Material Focus and GOV.UK WEEE guidance pages​.
  2. No Disposable Devices Accepted: Since our recycling program is built around reusable, high-quality devices, we cannot accept disposable vapes. Disposable vapes are not comparable to high-end devices in terms of recyclability, value, or durability, so please refrain from sending us single-use devices when purchasing a new Stealthvape UK product​
  3. Environmentally Conscious Disposal: Once we receive your like-for-like device, we ensure it’s sent to certified recycling facilities. Batteries and other components are treated and processed to minimize waste and maximize resource recovery, helping us and our customers make a positive environmental impact. Learn more about how recycling supports the environment from the Independent British Vape Trade Association​.

Why Recycling Vape Devices Matters

Every vape device contains electronic components and often lithium batteries, which, if improperly disposed of, can leach harmful chemicals into the soil and water, affecting wildlife and even human health. Additionally, valuable materials such as copper and lithium can be recycled from these devices and reused, conserving natural resources and reducing the demand for new materials.

Our recycling program provides customers with a safe, responsible way to dispose of old devices, ensuring that harmful components don’t end up in landfills. Plus, our compliance with WEEE and battery regulations is part of a broader commitment to sustainability and environmental care.

How to Get Started with Our Recycling Program

If you’re purchasing a new device from us and have an old, like-for-like product to recycle, simply send it back to us, and we’ll take care of the rest. By choosing Stealthvape, you’re joining a community of responsible vapers committed to a cleaner, greener world.

Conclusion

We’re proud to support our customers in making eco-friendly choices, and our WEEE-compliant recycling program is just one way we’re helping reduce e-waste. Let’s work together to enjoy vaping responsibly—one recycled device at a time. For more about our recycling program, visit GOV.UK’s WEEE guidance or Material Focus for details on responsible disposal.