More than 6 million vapes and vape pods are still being thrown away every week in the UK, according to research by the recycling campaign group Material Focus. The figure of 6.3 million represents a 23% reduction from the previous year, suggesting the ban on single-use vapes that came into effect on 1 June 2025 has had some impact. However, waste management companies warn that recycling systems remain under strain from the sheer volume of discarded devices.
The study, conducted with Opinium, found that purchases of single-use vapes have fallen by 31% week-on-week. Despite this, an estimated 2.2 million single-use vapes are still bought each week. Purchases of standard rechargeable vapes also declined by 28%, but this has been offset by the rising popularity of high-capacity 'big puff' rechargeables and refill pods.
Waste management firm Veolia reported roughly one fire a day across its vehicles and facilities, likely caused by hidden lithium-ion batteries in improperly disposed vapes. Biffa said it receives more than 200,000 incorrectly recycled vapes in its mixed collections every month. The incorrect disposal of lithium-ion batteries can spark dangerous fires in bin lorries and recycling centres, costing an estimated £1 billion annually and causing injuries to staff.
Material Focus found that nearly half of vapers (47%) were unaware that their devices could be recycled. Scott Butler, executive director of Material Focus, said the 'vapocalypse continues' and called for mandatory in-store recycling as part of proposed licensing for vape sellers. 'It should be as easy to recycle a vape as it is to buy one,' he said.
A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson said: 'Single-use vapes get kids hooked on nicotine and blight our high streets – it’s why we’ve taken action and banned them. Rogue traders will face serious penalties.' The department added that it has made it compulsory for all vape producers to cover the costs of recycling.
