In the last months over 700 fires were found in bin lorries and recycling centres after vapes were dumped in general waste piles.
Waste companies pick up 1.3 million vapes every week; with such high numbers, it’s no surprise that dangerous fires can easily occur when vapes are not correctly discarded.
All vapes contain lithium-ion batteries which can catch fire instantly if broken – with sometimes fatal results.
‘The correct disposal of electric vapes should be mandatory and taken a lot more seriously than any other recyclable item, as they can be a serious explosive threat. Over 130 million single-use vapes are sold in the UK every year, which is the equivalent of enough lithium for 1,200 electric vehicle batteries.’
GRAHAM MATTHEWS
Sustainability expert from BusinessWaste.co.uk
The market currently offers several types of vapes, including vape pens, pod vapes, box mods and disposable vapes.
Vape pens are popular for their portability and come in both disposable and reusable variants.
Pod vapes feature a two-part design consisting of a rechargeable battery and a replaceable or refillable pod.
For advanced users, box mods have more control with variable wattage and temperature settings, along with external batteries and refillable tanks.
Lastly, disposable vapes are perhaps the most user-friendly option, but also the most environmentally harmful.
‘Due to the hazardous materials they contain, single-use vapers should never throw disposable vapes in general waste bins. Instead, these should be returned to retail outlets or disposed of in special bins available at electronic stores or local recycling centres.’
GRAHAM MATTHEWS
Sustainability expert from BusinessWaste.co.uk
Since the ban on single-use vapes, manufacturers have been focusing on reusable types.
For these, the best practice is to return them to a retailer. Thousands of stores across the UK, like those of Totally Wicked, now provide vape disposal bins where customers can deposit any brand of vape for responsible recycling.
These stores adhere to WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) regulations and accept devices for recycling, ensuring that vapes are discarded without harming the environment.
Recycling vapes is a straightforward process when done correctly. Users are encouraged to dismantle their reusable and refillable devices, separating them into components such as batteries, pods, tanks, coils and e-liquid bottles, which can then be recycled according to local regulations.
Most components, including batteries and glass or plastic parts, can be recycled at designated points found in many supermarkets and local household waste recycling centres.
‘Despite the ban and the toxicity to human health, the vape market continues to grow. However, this should encourage both consumers and manufacturers to be more environmentally conscious when it comes to vaping. Consumers should always dispose of them correctly, while retailers have the responsibility to make this process as easy as possible for their buyers.’
GRAHAM MATTHEWS
Sustainability expert from BusinessWaste.co.uk
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