Single-use vapes, often referred to as e-cigarettes, have become a topic of discussion due to their environmental impact. These small devices, which contain lithium batteries and liquid encased in plastic, can release harmful chemicals when discarded improperly. Moreover, they pose a fire risk at waste facilities, highlighting the importance of responsible disposal.

In a positive move for the environment, the United Kingdom has taken steps to ban these single-use devices. Starting in June 2025, it will be illegal for businesses to sell or distribute disposable vapes. This initiative aims to protect the environment while addressing the concerning rise in vaping among youth.

However, the journey to a greener future is just beginning. Chris Doel, a passionate 26-year-old electronics engineer, is determined to showcase the potential of the batteries found in these devices. He has taken on an inspiring project to highlight the waste generated by discarded e-cigarettes.

In a compelling video on his YouTube channel, Doel remarked, "This whole vape collection thing has gotten completely out of hand." He passionately sets out to demonstrate how many of these vapes could be harnessed for energy. What he discovered is quite fascinating: the lithium-ion batteries inside these vapes, which are also used in our smartphones and laptops, could be reused rather than thrown away.

He expressed his disbelief, stating, "These vapes have been designed to be thrown away after just a single use, which is just completely insane to me." With this in mind, he embarked on a mission to create a fully rechargeable power bank and even an e-bike battery using these batteries.

Doel's commitment to sustainability led him to collect 500 discarded vapes, either through personal efforts or from a local shop. By repurposing the batteries, he was able to construct a power reserve that could energize his entire home for eight hours or sustain his DIY workshop for several days.

While he cautioned viewers, “Do not attempt to replicate anything I do in this video. It covers some pretty dangerous stuff,” his experiment raises a vital question: How can we better utilize these wasted resources?

In an interview with NBC News, Doel shared the success of his project: "This is a massive power wall, so it’s powering the laptop that I’m speaking to you on… I’m completely off-grid right now." He highlighted the capabilities of his power wall, stating, “I’ve been able to boil water with the kettle, flip on the microwave, turn on my oven… I pretty much could power everything in my house.”

Creating this innovative power wall wasn’t an easy feat. It took Doel about seven months of dedicated work during his free time as an engineer. His motivation stemmed from the staggering scale of waste generated by these devices. “At their peak in the U.K. alone, over a million of these are being tossed away every single day,” he noted, emphasizing the need for action.

Despite the positive changes initiated by the U.K. ban, the problem remains significant. Recent data indicates that Americans disposed of around 500,000 disposable vapes daily in 2023, which could provide enough lithium for over 3,000 large electric vehicle batteries. Doel pointed out that “all of them have got incredibly rare earth minerals inside of them,” which makes their disposal even more concerning.

Nathan Proctor, a senior director at the Public Interest Research Group, added that recycling these batteries is a challenging and costly endeavor due to their hazardous nature.

While the sale of single-use vapes may be declining, Doel noted that the culture of buying and discarding continues. He shared, “I’m still able to get hundreds and hundreds of these things,” underscoring the ongoing challenge.

Looking ahead, Doel is excited about the future of his projects. He has recently acquired a small electric vehicle and plans to install batteries from disposable vapes to power it. “That is definitely next on the list,” he said, showcasing his unwavering commitment to finding innovative solutions to environmental issues.

As regulatory bodies work to address the impacts of vaping on public health and the environment, Doel continues his inspiring work, proving that with creativity and determination, we can turn challenges into opportunities for a brighter, more sustainable future.