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Cannabis Vaping Device and Battery Reclamation Pilot Program

The Vermont Cannabis Control Board will launch a pilot program, effective January 15, 2025, to research how a disposable cannabis vaping device reclamation program could be implemented within the bounds of Vermont’s adult use cannabis market. The purpose of the pilot program is to measure the rate of reclamation for disposable cannabis vaping devices made from a compostable PLA-based plastic, that also have a removable and rechargeable battery component. The device and battery returns will be incentivized to the consumer through mandatory deposits on each component of the device. Data will be collected from each participating licensed cannabis manufacturer and reported to the CCB.  The parameters of the pilot program are outlined below:  

  •  Submission of a specific plan by each participating manufacturer to the CCB for pre-approval is required.  Plans shall be submitted directly to Michael DiTomasso, michael.ditomasso@vermont.gov, and shall include the following information:

    • Provide a detailed description of the device proposed for reclamation, including references to the constituent makeup of the device and battery.

    • Specify how the batteries and devices will be recycled, and the frequency of recycling (from the licensed manufacturer).

    • Specify a plan for reclamation of batteries and devices from retail partners, including frequency of reclamation, and how required tracking information will be transmitted to the licensed manufacturer.

    • Proposed start date.  

  • Sales begin no sooner than January 15, 2025. 
  • The pilot program will run for no longer than 6 months, with an expiration date of July 15, 2025.  
  • A manufacturer may only select a device that features compostable PLA and a removable and rechargeable battery.  
  • A manufacturer must designate a contact person within their organization who can answer questions from the CCB about the pilot program.  
  • Each participating consumer must consent to tracking of the consumer’s vape device purchases and redemptions.  
  •  A deposit of $10 is to be collected for each PLA vape device and battery transferred to a consumer.  Deposits must be recoverable in cash upon redemption of a device and/or battery. The device can be sold separately, or with the battery already installed.  
  • Each sale must be accompanied by a flyer describing the pilot program. Flyers must be submitted as part of the manufacturers pre-approved plan. 
  • Returns to industrial PLA composting and battery recyclers shall be documented. 
    • The following data shall be collected:  
      • net sales 
      • total units sold with battery 
      • total units sold without battery 
      • serialized device and battery return confirmation, 
      • return rates, and the timeframe associated with each return 
      • volume sent for composting (PLA) and recycling (batteries).   
      • data shall be available to the Board on a rolling basis. 
  • Required data shall be reported to the Board on the 15th of every month, for the duration of the pilot program. Data shall be reported to Michael DiTomasso, michael.ditomasso@vermont.gov  
  • The cannabis excise tax shall not apply to device deposits. Device and battery deposits shall be charged as a redemption fee, to which the Vermont Sales Tax will be applied. Upon return, the deposit fee and sales tax shall be refunded in whole to the participating consumer.   

Upon completion of the pilot program, the CCB will analyze the data collected from all participating licensed cannabis manufacturers. The CCB will use the data to make a determination as to whether the reclamation program will continue.