In response to community concerns regarding the disposal of illegal vapes seized under new laws introduced through the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products (Dismantling Illegal Trade) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, we sought clarification from the Minister for Health on what occurs once these devices are confiscated, including how and where they are destroyed. 

The minister’s office advised: 

HLAB (No 1) 2025 changed the laws to allow for the immediate forfeiture and destruction of seized vapes. 

Under the former laws, seized vapes had to be stored for a minimum of eight weeks to accommodate existing forfeiture, show cause and appeal processes. During this period, the risk of fires, toxic leaks, and environmental contamination is significant, and the costs are high. Secure, fire-resistant units can cost up to $65,000 each, and facilities are nearing capacity. 

Destruction is complex. When recycled, vapes must be dismantled and processed in accordance with strict environmental and safety standards, requiring separate handling of plastics, lithium-ion batteries, and toxic liquids. 

The Queensland Government’s new laws allow the immediate forfeiture of seized vaping goods. This means that once an authorised person seizes illicit vapes, the products can be forfeited and destroyed without delay — ensuring swift removal from the community, reducing fire and environmental risk, and relieving pressure on enforcement resources. 

Destruction process and location 

 Following this advice, we sought further clarification regarding whether seized vapes are destroyed within Queensland and whether energy recovery options are being considered. 

The minister’s office advised: 

I am advised that Queensland Health has a Standing Offer arrangement with waste providers for the destruction of vaping goods. All the waste providers have Queensland facilities. Products for destruction are typically collected from Public Health Units and taken to the waste provider’s local facility. Alternatively, Queensland Health officers may transport the products directly to the waste provider. 

The destruction methods used are typically high temperature incineration, or dismantling of devices with components being recycled or shredded and destroyed. I also understand that energy recovery from lithium batteries is an emerging area of interest. 

We will continue to monitor developments in disposal methods, particularly regarding emerging opportunities for lithium battery recovery and recycling.  

Further information 

For further information regarding Queensland’s vaping laws and enforcement, visit the Queensland Health website:https://www.qld.gov.au/health/staying-healthy/atods/smoking/vapes  

We will continue to monitor developments regarding enforcement, environmental safeguards and disposal processes under the updated legislation.