Vaping & e-cigarettes

New pharmaceutical waste regulations

As of Oct. 31, 2020, the special requirements for the management of dangerous waste pharmaceuticals (WAC 173-303-555) is now in effect. Please refer to our Managing Pharmaceutical Waste page for the most current information.

NOTE: Information on this page may be outdated and inconsistent with the new rules. We are working quickly to update this information. Please check back.

Recent regulations at both the state and federal levels have affected the vaping industry. Certain vapor products and flavors have been banned, which can increase the amount of vaping waste generated by retailers. This page describes options retailers have when managing vaping waste in Washington.

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Nicotine vaping waste interim policy effective through 2020

To help retailers adapt to changing regulations, our nicotine vaping waste interim policy will remain in effect until the state adopts the Federal Pharmaceutical Rules (anticipated in late 2020).

The interim policy applies to:

Vapor product vendors who are small quantity generators (SQGs).
Dangerous waste brokers.
Transporters.
Treatment, storage, or disposal facilities (TSDs).

This policy is easier for retailers to follow than the dangerous waste regulations.

How to dispose of vapor waste

When vapor products become waste, they usually designate as dangerous waste. Vapor wastes that designate as dangerous waste must be disposed of under the dangerous waste regulations or interim policy.

Do not put vaping wastes in the trash.
Do not burn them.
Do not pour them down the drain.

Nicotine-containing vapor waste

Dispose of these wastes under the dangerous waste regulations or interim policy.
You may be required to hire a waste service provider to transport and dispose of dangerous waste.

Tetrohydrocannabinol (THC)-containing vapor waste

Follow the interim policy guidance, which allows THC-containing vapor waste to be classified as a non-dangerous waste.
Render these products unusable following acceptable marijuana waste disposal methods (WAC 314-55-097(4)).

Retailers

Dangerous waste service providers

Transporters and TSD facilities

Contact information

Rob Rieck
Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program
robert.rieck@ecy.wa.gov
360-407-6751

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