news release
Indian River County has been named a 2026 Recycling Champion by the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation for its innovative vape pen collection program.
The award recognizes the County’s Solid Waste Disposal District for creating a safe, practical way for residents to dispose of vape pens and other vaping devices that should not be placed in household garbage or recycling carts.
Vape pens often contain rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and may contain residual nicotine or THC. When discarded in regular waste or recycling, the devices can be crushed or damaged, creating fire hazards for collection vehicles, recycling facilities and landfill operations.
“Keeping these items out of the waste and recycling stream protects the people who handle our materials every day and helps prevent dangerous fires,” said Commission Chair Deryl Loar. “This recognition reflects the practical, forward-thinking work of our Solid Waste team and the partners who helped make this program possible.”
Launched in 2024, the program provides residents with dedicated collection options for vape pens and works with specialized partners to ensure the materials are managed safely and responsibly. The effort also supports public education about the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries in the waste stream.
“We are proud that a program designed to solve a real safety concern for our community is being recognized statewide,” said Himanshu Mehta, Managing Director of the Indian River County Solid Waste Disposal District. “Responsible disposal is a small action residents can take that makes a meaningful difference for our workers, our facilities and the environment.”
Indian River County is one of ten organizations selected statewide as a 2026 Recycling Champion. The Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation will recognize award recipients during Florida Recycles Day on Wednesday, November 18, at the University of Florida TREEO Center in Gainesville.
For information about the County’s recycling and waste-disposal services, including vape pen collection, visit indianriver.gov/services/solid_waste_disposal_district or call the Solid Waste Disposal District at 772-226-3212. For media inquiries, contact Angela Marzi, Community Affairs Manager for Utilities, at amarzi@indianriver.gov or 772-226-1832.
