In the past 12 months, 253 kg of vapes were recycled through dedicated bins at the Drysdale and interim Geelong resource recovery centres.

Classified as e-waste, vapes contain batteries, plastic and harmful chemicals that can pollute the environment and cause fires in rubbish trucks, resulting in significant damage and costs to ratepayers each year.

In 2026 alone, there have been four waste truck fires in the Greater Geelong area, with batteries, vapes or e-waste the suspected cause.

Vapes collected through the bins are dismantled and recycled into materials that can be used to manufacture new batteries, metal products and, in some cases, fertilisers and chemicals.

Based on the trial's positive results, vape recycling bins at the City's resource recovery centres will be funded on an ongoing basis through the 2026-27 Budget.

Maintaining this service will ensure residents can continue to safely dispose of vapes while delivering ongoing environmental and public health benefits for the community.

Alongside the recycling trial, the City has also supported initiatives aimed at reducing vaping harms among young people.

EcoCycle vape recycling bins were installed at the Nest Youth Hub in central Geelong and Norlane's The fOrT Youth Hub, providing a safe and non-judgemental space for young people to dispose of vapes while accessing information and support from trusted adults and peers.

During the 12-month pilot period, 58 kg of vapes were collected through the youth hub recycling bins.

The initiative was supported by co-designed resources developed through a $200,000 VicHealth Vaping Prevention Grant to increase young people's awareness of the harms associated with vaping.

The City led the Barwon South West Vaping Prevention Coalition (BSWVPC), a partnership between local councils and community health services across six LGAs, helping young people make informed decisions about vaping and its health impacts through student co-designed prevention resources and initiatives.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM 

This trial has shown that when our community is given a safe and convenient way to dispose of vapes, people are willing to do the right thing.

By continuing this service, we’re making it easier for residents to protect both the environment and the safety of our waste collection workers.

Environment & Circular Economy portfolio chair, Councillor Elise Wilkinson

A vape might be small, but the environmental impacts can be significant if it ends up in landfill or littered in the community.

Their batteries can cause fires in waste and recycling systems, while the plastics and chemicals they contain can contribute to environmental pollution.

The community’s support for this program has delivered real environmental benefits, and we’re pleased to see those efforts continue.

E-waste like batteries, cameras, air fryers, coffee machines and computer equipment can be dropped at the City’s resource recycling centres at Becks Rd, Drysdale and 21 Slevin St, North Geelong.

Larger e-waste items can also be booked as part of a hard waste collection.

For more information about recycling in Geelong, visit: geelong.link/recycleguide