Sustainable vaping: tips for eco-conscious vaping

In short: disposable vapes end up in the bin after a short time, battery and electronics included. Rechargeable pod systems and refillable devices cut this waste considerably, because only pods, coils or liquid are replaced. Most importantly: batteries and devices never belong in household waste, but back at the point of sale or at a collection point.

Disposable vapes are convenient, but every device is made of plastic, electronics and a lithium battery – and is thrown away entirely after a short time. If you want to vape more consciously, you don't have to give up flavour. In this article you'll learn how reusable systems work, what to look for when buying and how to dispose of devices and batteries correctly in Switzerland.

Disposable vs. reusable: what's the difference?

With a disposable vape, the whole device is replaced once it's empty: housing, electronics, heating element and battery. Making each device consumes raw materials such as lithium and various plastics. When disposables end up in household waste or in nature, these materials are lost, and damaged lithium batteries can cause fires in refuse trucks and incineration plants.

Reusable vapes have a clear advantage here. You only swap the pod or refill liquid, while the battery and housing stay in use for many months. Instead of many discarded devices, only pods, coils and liquid bottles become waste.

Lawmakers also set incentives: since 1 October 2024, an e-cigarette tax of CHF 1.00 per ml applies to disposable e-cigarettes (including nicotine-free ones) and CHF 0.20 per ml to nicotine-containing liquids and refills, plus 8.1% VAT. The detailed calculation is in the article on the vape tax in Switzerland. Some cantons, such as Valais and Geneva, also ban disposable vapes outright – more under disposable vape ban in the cantons. At national level, Parliament has called for a ban, but when it takes effect is still open.

How more sustainable vape systems work

Many people hesitate to switch because they fear reusable systems are complicated. Usually the opposite is true: you charge the device via USB-C, swap the pod or top up liquid when needed – done.

Important for Switzerland: rechargeable pod systems such as ELFA Pro or Aroma King SMART are not disposables. The battery stays, only the pods are changed.

The key steps to get started:

1. Choose a device with replaceable pods: make sure pods are available separately.
2. Check battery capacity: a larger battery needs charging less often.
3. Consider spare parts: replaceable coils and mouthpieces extend the device's life.
4. Buy liquid separately: refillable systems allow larger bottles and therefore less packaging per ml.
5. Dispose of things correctly: take old pods, devices and batteries back to the point of sale or a collection point.

Tip: choose a device for which pods and coils are easy to get. A cheap device without spare parts is neither sustainable nor economical in the long run.

Another advantage: with a reusable system you can try different liquids and flavours without buying a new device every time. A comparison of device types is in the article pod systems vs. disposable vapes.

What to look for when buying

• Modularity: can parts be replaced individually, or does the whole device have to be thrown away?
• Refillability: are there refillable pods or only prefilled ones?
• Spare parts: are coils, mouthpieces or pods available separately?
• Battery quality: a good battery lasts many charge cycles and therefore a long time.
• Availability: will the device stay in the range long enough for you to get pods later?

Tip: look specifically for devices with a replaceable coil. A new coil costs little and extends the device's life without replacing everything.

Second-hand devices are also an option. Pay particular attention to hygiene (replace the mouthpiece) and the battery's condition – stop using devices with a damaged battery wrap or a swollen battery.

You'll find a wide selection among our pod systems. Matching liquids are in the liquid range, for example ELFLIQ or other nicotine salt liquids.

Disposing of vapes correctly in Switzerland

Vapes contain electronics and lithium batteries. That's why they never belong in household waste, let alone in nature:

• Disposable vapes and batteries: back to the point of sale or to a collection point for electrical devices and batteries. Retailers take back devices of the kind they sell free of charge.
• Empty pods: often contain liquid residue – depending on design, with electronics (coil), to the collection point for electrical devices.
• Empty liquid bottles: dispose of them tightly closed, out of reach of children.
• Damaged batteries: stop charging them, tape over the contacts and take them to a collection point promptly.

Nicotine liquids are toxic if swallowed. If you suspect poisoning: Tox Info Suisse 145, in an emergency 144.

Sustainability is more than giving up disposables

Sustainable vaping isn't a one-off product switch but a habit: dispose of pods correctly, look after batteries, replace coils instead of devices and buy liquid in larger bottles. Switching from many disposables a year to a reusable system keeps many lithium batteries out of the waste – and usually costs less per ml thanks to the lower tax.

If you're unsure which system suits you, the article choosing a vape in 6 steps will help. If you have questions, reach us via the contact form.

Frequently asked questions about sustainable vaping

Why are disposable vapes bad for the environment?

With disposable vapes, the whole device including battery and electronics is thrown away. That consumes raw materials, and incorrectly disposed lithium batteries can cause fires.

How do I recognise a more sustainable alternative?

Look for rechargeable devices with replaceable or refillable pods and easily available spare parts such as coils.

Where do old vapes and pods go?

Back to the point of sale or to a collection point for electrical devices and batteries – never in household waste.

Is a reusable system cheaper in Switzerland?

Usually yes: disposable e-cigarettes are taxed at CHF 1.00 per ml, nicotine liquids at CHF 0.20 per ml, plus VAT in each case.

Note: nicotine products are for adults aged 18 and over only. Nicotine is addictive. This is not legal or tax advice.