In the last year, we have taken significant steps towards sustainable waste management with the introduction of recycling options such as food scraps, batteries, and e-waste. We are now excited to announce that vapes and e-cigarettes are being added to that list. This new initiative aims to divert vapes, batteries, and e-cigarettes from ending up in landfill, which will reduce environmental pollution and prevent potential hazards.

The rise in the popularity of vaping has led to a rise in the disposal of vape pens, cartridges, and batteries, posing a challenge for waste management systems. These electronic devices often contain hazardous materials, such as lithium-ion batteries, which can leach toxic chemicals into the environment when not disposed of properly.  Even worse, when vapes are thrown into kerbside bins, they get compacted within the rubbish trucks, which can lead to fires breaking out. Lithium fires are extremely hard to extinguish and put our waste management workers in danger.

Recognising the need for a solution, we have collaborated with New Zealand-owned company Phoenix Metalman Recycling to launch the new vape collection initiative. This program provides residents with designated drop-off points, where they can safely dispose of their unwanted vapes, batteries, and e-cigarettes. 

The battery sheds that were recently installed at the Refuse Transfer Stations, now take vapes (as well as batteries), and will be emptied and transported to specialised facilities equipped to handle electronic waste safely. The raw materials will then be dismantled, sorted, and sent out to various locations for reuse. Around 80% of what is collected can be diverted for recycling, which means less overall cost and a lot less rubbish in landfill.

The battery sheds are open in Refuse Transfer Stations in Matamata, Morrinsville and Te Aroha (Waihou) between 10am and 4pm on selected days. For more information, click here.

Top of page - one of the purpose-built Battery Sheds that can now accept vapes.

Above - the builders of the battery sheds: Des Partington, Greg Shepherdson, Bob Anderson, and Wayne Anderson from the Matamata Mens’ Shed.