Recent Headlines
New York State Launches Vape Recycling Pilot to Address Growing Health and Waste Challenge
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Dec. 3, 2025 — The Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM) at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) and the Product Stewardship Institute (PSI) are partnering to launch the New York State E-Cigarette and Vaping Device Collection Program Pilot, an innovative effort to explore solutions for one of the fastest-growing and most complex waste streams: vape products.
This year-long pilot program, running from September 2025 through August 2026, will research, test, and evaluate models for safely collecting and managing e-cigarette and vaping device waste across New York state. The project will assess the feasibility of establishing a statewide collection infrastructure using diverse collection points such as household hazardous waste (HHW) facilities, vape shops, and other local entities.
“Vape devices are a unique waste challenge — they contain batteries, plastics, and nicotine residues that require careful handling and disposal,” said Kathryn Walker, executive director of the Center for Sustainable Materials Management. “By working together across sectors, New York is taking proactive steps to protect public health and the environment while building a practical roadmap for responsible vape product management.”
The project team will:
- Examine regulatory frameworks and review existing state and federal policies governing vape waste.
- Evaluate costs for collection receptacles, staff training, and proper processing and disposal.
- Conduct a pilot across at least five collection sites representing different community types in New York state.
- Gather operational data to assess efficiency, safety, and participation.
- Develop policy and program recommendations for a potential statewide rollout.
An Advisory Committee of experts representing public agencies, environmental organizations, waste management professionals, and industry stakeholders will guide the program. Members will provide insights into regulatory, operational, and community perspectives to ensure the pilot reflects real-world conditions and needs.
“PSI specializes in moving from concepts to pilots to policies that result in performance. This pilot — built on collaboration across government, industry, and recyclers — will give New York the playbook to protect workers and residents while managing vape waste responsibly,” said Scott Cassel, CEO and founder of the Product Stewardship Institute.
Findings from the project will be compiled in a final report, offering actionable recommendations to reduce the environmental and public health impacts of vape waste and to advance sustainable materials management strategies in New York. This initiative will directly support NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s Solid Waste Management Plan goals to reduce waste generation, improve recycling systems, and promote circular economy practices statewide.
About SUNY ESF
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.
About the CSMM
The Center for Sustainable Materials Management was established at ESF in the spring of 2020 through a New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) grant administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). CSMM places ESF, DEC, and their partners in leadership roles regarding materials (waste) reduction, reuse, and recycling in New York and the U.S. The Center’s mission is to inspire, lead, and connect a diverse group of people and organizations that will collectively challenge the concept of “waste,” through redefining and reimagining how we procure, produce, consume, manage, and market materials. Learn more at www.centerforsmm.org
About PSI
PSI is a policy expert and consulting nonprofit that pioneered product stewardship in the United States — the bedrock of the circular economy. Since 2000, PSI’s policy models have has helped enact 146 extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws across 21 product categories in 34 states. PSI works with governments, businesses, academia, and environmental groups to ensure that products are responsibly managed from design to end of life. Learn more at www.productstewardship.us.