T-Collect: when proximity becomes sustainability

In Italy, the use of e-cigarettes and tobacco heating devices has grown in recent years. Along with this, there has also been an increasing need to manage these devices properly once they reach the end of their life cycle: they are, in fact, WEEE, electronic waste containing batteries, circuits and plastics which, if released into the environment, can have a significant impact.

To meet this need, Logista has developed a simple, widespread and free nationwide collection scheme: T‑Collect, the organised network for the collection and recovery of used e-cigarettes and tobacco heating devices. A project that transforms an everyday action into a tangible contribution to the circular economy.



The power of the Logista network
Logista is Europe’s leading integrated distribution operator and, in Italy, it reaches 60,000 retail outlets every week through a comprehensive logistics network comprising 3 hubs and around 90 Transit Points.

Designed to ensure operational efficiency and commercial proximity, this infrastructure has, over the years, become a driver of sustainability: from the use of energy from renewable sources to the Logista Green Box programme for the reuse of packaging, right through to projects dedicated to responsible waste management. T‑Collect fits perfectly into this vision, enhancing the widespread presence of tobacco shops as environmental hubs spread across the country.


 

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From the first trials to a national model
In 2023, Logista launched a pilot project, already configured as a national scheme devoted to the collection of used e-cigarettes. The project, created through a Programme Agreement with the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), the Italian Federation of Tobacco Retailers (FIT) and the WEEE Coordination Centre, introduced reusable containers in tobacco shops for the disposal of electronic inhalation devices.
The natural evolution of this initiative is T-COLLECT, now recognised as the leading national collection scheme for used e-cigarettes.

A simple, comprehensive and measurable model
The strength of T‑Collect lies in its simplicity.
Members of the public can hand in their end-of-life devices free of charge at participating tobacco shops, with no obligation to make a purchase thanks to the “one-for-zero” take-back scheme. Logista collects WEEE using a reverse logistics approach, thus avoiding dedicated transport journeys and consequently reducing CO₂ emissions. Traceability is ensured by a digital system, and the materials are sent to authorised centres for the recovery of plastics, metals and batteries, as specified by the WEEE Coordination Centre.
 

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The results confirm the model’s effectiveness: over 30,000 participating tobacco shops, more than 100 tonnes of devices collected, several tonnes of plastic recycled and CO₂ avoided. These figures demonstrate a real environmental impact, underpinned by robust institutional governance and a unique local network.

Getta Giusto: the campaign addressing citizens
To further encourage consumer participation, Logista has launched the “Getta Giusto” awareness campaign. The concept is based on simple language, accompanied by a dedicated key visual that evokes sustainability and the circular economy. The new T‑Collect box, more recognisable and intuitive, has become the symbol of the campaign.
The communication plan, spanning print, digital, social media and video content, accompanied the launch with a clear message: disposing of a used e-cigarette correctly is a simple action, but one capable of making a tangible environmental impact.

With “Getta Giusto” (Dispose Correctly), T‑Collect is entering a new phase, transforming local presence into a shared value. You can find your nearest collection box at logista.it/t-collect or by downloading the Logista per te app.

Meet Logista at Ecomondo 2026
From 3 to 6 November, Logista will be exhibiting at Ecomondo 2026 in Hall D3, Stand 207. Among the initiatives on display will be T-Collect, the nationwide service that facilitates the collection and recycling of small WEEE such as used e-cigarettes.
Visitors will also be able to explore Logista's broader approach to sustainability and circular economy practices, including Logista Green Box for the reuse of delivery packaging, as well as other projects developed to support more efficient use of resources and environmental responsibility.


This blog is a joint project by Ecomondo and Renewable Matter


Credits

Photo by Logista