Vape Disposal in Tennessee

How to Dispose of E-Cigarettes and Vape Pens in Tennessee

(For Items That Don’t Belong in the State’s Unwanted Household Drug Take-Back Program)

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Division of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) is authorized by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement the hazardous waste program in Tennessee. As an authorized state, the hazardous waste rules must be no less stringent than the federal regulations. The DSWM has received requests for guidance on the proper disposal of e-cigarettes (e-cigs, vapes, vape pens, e-hookahs, and electronic nicotine delivery systems or ENDS).

E-cigarettes contain nicotine and lithium batteries and are considered hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Nicotine e-liquid is acutely toxic and can be absorbed through the skin. It carries the RCRA hazardous waste code P075 (nicotine & salts).

Lithium batteries present a fire risk, especially when damaged. When lithium batteries are placed in the trash and recycling bins, they are often damaged by trash compactors and can cause fires during transportation, at waste handling facilities, and recycling facilities. Most lithium batteries, when discarded, are likely considered ignitable and reactive hazardous waste, with the RCRA hazardous waste codes D001 (ignitable) and D003 (reactive).

E-cigarettes that are collected by school staff should be turned over to the School Resource Officer (SRO) for proper contraband handling. SROs coordinate within their established networks – including local law enforcement agencies, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to ensure proper handling and disposal of evidence and contraband.

The State of Tennessee manages E-cigarette disposal in a manner consistent with the federal regulations and RCRA requirements. For additional information, refer to the EPA’s guidance: “How to Safely Dispose of E-Cigarettes: Information for Schools and Small Businesses” at the following link: https://www.epa.gov/hw/how-safely -dispose-e-cigarettes-information-schools-and-small-businesses.