Monarch Waste leads charge to safely recycle All-In-One vapes

As all-in-one (AIO) vapes become increasingly popular among cannabis consumers, a new environmental challenge has emerged: how to safely and responsibly dispose of devices that contain lithium batteries and residual cannabis oil. Monarch Waste, Missouri’s only cannabis-focused waste management company, has stepped forward to meet that challenge.

“All-in-ones make up a large percentage of cannabis sales, and the majority of those batteries are ending up in landfills,” said Monarch co-founder Zach McCullough. “That equates to hundreds of thousands of improperly disposed lithium batteries.”

In response, Monarch launched what is believed to be Missouri’s first dedicated battery recycling program focused on cannabis AIOs. With collection boxes placed at select dispensaries, including NatureMed and 3Fifteen Primo, the company offers a low-effort, high-impact solution for consumers and operators.

“Knowing these AIO batteries are ending up in landfills, causing fires, and potentially leaching chemicals into the environment, we felt a responsibility to find a solution that works for consumers and producers alike,” McCullough said.

The program operates in partnership with logistics provider Fifth Meridian and is underwritten by a partnership with Curador, the first brand in Missouri to fund the program and pay for the service. Participating dispensaries collect used AIOs, which are then transported by Fifth Meridian to Monarch for compliant disposal.

“Curador is setting a precedent for extended producer responsibility,” McCullough said. “By investing in the full life cycle of their products and paying for the safe disposal of used AIOs, they’re showing what it means to be a responsible brand.”

While AIOs are popular for their convenience and design, they are complex waste items that blend lithium batteries with cannabis residue. This combination presents a unique hazard: improper disposal can cause fires, and consumer confusion about disposal options means most are simply thrown in the trash.

“We’re not here to point fingers,” McCullough said. “We’re in the throes of figuring out in real time how to create a better option that fits into people’s lives.”

   

Monarch hopes to expand its recycling program statewide. A contact form is available on its website for dispensaries and operators interested in participating.

“We want consumers to ask their favorite dispensary, ‘Are you part of the Monarch takeback program?'” McCullough said. “Convenience and accessibility are key. The more locations we have, the more impact we can make.”

The company is also exploring ways to integrate consumer incentives through brand partners, offering potential discounts or rewards for returned AIOs.

But education remains a top priority.

“Most people don’t realize that these vapes are hazardous waste. You can’t just toss them in the trash,” McCullough said. “There’s a real safety and environmental risk, and we want to help mitigate that.”

As more operators join the effort, Monarch believes Missouri can become a model for safe and sustainable cannabis waste practices.

“This is a low-effort, high-impact solution,” McCullough said. “If we make it easy, people will do the right thing.”

To learn more or join the program, visit Monarch Waste here – https://www.monarchwaste.co/vape-pen-takeback.