Disposable vape ban fails to curb waste and fire risk, warns Biffa
Biffa reports a rise in disposable vapes in general recycling since the ban, leading to more fires and waste-industry challenges.
Full ban sees wrong disposal rates climb
The ban on single-use vapes, introduced in June, has not reduced the number of devices discarded in general recycling, according to Roger Wright, strategy and packaging manager at Biffa. Instead, vapes in recycling streams have increased by 3% compared with April and May.
Rise in incidents and fires
Biffa, which handles nearly 20% of UK waste, reports around one million vapes entering general recycling each month. The devices, powered by lithium batteries, can ignite when crushed in bin lorries or recycling centres, causing costly and dangerous fires.
Industry responses and market shifts
Following the ban, major vape companies launched cheap reusable models with replaceable nicotine pods and USB charging. Despite this, many consumers still treat them as disposables, Wright says. The market has also seen a surge in new product designs aimed at evading regulations, complicating recycling efforts.
In contrast, the Independent British Vape Trade Association argues that the ban has encouraged refillable and rechargeable device use. Chairman Marcus Saxton suggests that devices found in waste may result from illegal sales or black-market trade.
Solutions and government action
- Kerbside collection of vapes alongside general waste and recycling
- Mandatory in-store recycling bins for all retailers
- Public campaigns on safe disposal methods
Some councils already collect electrical items at the kerbside, a measure Wright believes could significantly improve return rates.
A government spokesperson underscores that single-use vapes hook young people on nicotine and harm town centres, noting new rules requiring retailers to offer recycling bins and an upcoming circular economy strategy to boost electrical equipment reuse and recycling.
The rise in disposable and pseudo-reusable vapes in recycling streams is increasing fire hazards and costs for waste management firms.
This topic was reported by BBC.
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