J&B Recycling Can Vapes Be Recycled? Vapes harm more than your body. Disposable vape devices and refillable vape pods hurt the environment, too. Throwing away vapes creates a waste stream of plastic, nicotine salts, heavy metals, mercury, and A toxic, plastic problem: E cigarette waste and the environment Vapes aren't harmless and they're a health and environmental issue. Disposable vapes contain plastic, toxic chemicals, and lithium batteries that can leak into soil and water, harming wildlife and polluting our Disposable E Cigarettes More Toxic Than Traditional Cigarettes UC Davis