More than 250 million disposable vapes could be dumped in the run-up to a ban next year, as research shows the vast majority of producers and retailers are failing to meet legal recycling requirements. The not-for-profit organisation Material Focus found that over nine out of ten vape producers and retailers appear to be ignoring their duty to provide or pay for the return and recycling of single-use e-cigarettes.
Material Focus surveyed 764 retailers selling vapes across 13 UK cities and found that only 86 stores – 11 per cent – offered recycling drop-off points. High street brands and convenience stores were among the worst offenders, with many outlets advertising vapes for sale but refusing to accept used devices for recycling, despite claiming to run takeback schemes.
The organisation also analysed the records of more than 165 significant vape and vape juice producers in the UK. Only 15 had registered to comply with environmental regulations covering waste electricals, portable batteries and packaging. All of the companies identified had, however, joined industry trade associations such as the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) or the Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA), and had registered their products with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.
Material Focus said single-use vapes were among the most environmentally wasteful and dangerous consumer products ever made. Sales in the UK are estimated at 360 million a year, containing lithium equivalent to that used in more than 6,700 electric vehicle batteries, and copper averaging 1.9g per device. The cost of recycling all single-use vapes purchased in the UK could reach £200 million a year. Incorrect disposal also poses a fire risk, with over 700 fires attributed to hidden batteries in electrical items, including vapes.
Scott Butler, executive director of Material Focus, said the environmental responsibilities of vape producers and retailers were clear, and that it was shocking so little progress had been made since last year. He added: “As sales and profits have boomed, the environmental impacts and costs of collecting and recycling waste vapes have been disregarded.” The legal obligation to provide recycling has been in force since 2021.
