INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Indian River County has been named a 2026 Recycling Champion by the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation for its vape pen collection program.
The award recognizes the County’s Solid Waste Disposal District for developing a dedicated way for residents to dispose of vape pens and other vaping devices that should not go in household garbage or recycling carts. The program began in 2024.
Vape pens frequently contain rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and can hold residual nicotine or THC. If crushed or damaged in collection trucks, recycling facilities or landfills, the devices can start fires.
“Keeping these items out of the waste and recycling stream protects the people who handle our materials every day and helps prevent dangerous fires,” Commission Chair Deryl Loar said. “This recognition reflects the practical, forward-thinking work of our Solid Waste team and the partners who helped make this program possible.”
The county provides collection options for the devices and works with specialized partners to handle them. Officials also use the program to educate residents about the risks lithium-ion batteries pose 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 10 organizations selected statewide as a 2026 Recycling Champion. The Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation will recognize the recipients during Florida Recycles Day on Nov. 18 at the University of Florida TREEO Center in Gainesville.
Residents can find details on the county’s recycling and waste-disposal services, including vape pen collection from County’s Solid Waste Disposal District website or by calling 772-226-3212.
