"More than 6 million vapes and vape pods are still being discarded every week in the UK, with waste management companies warning the sheer volume continues to strain recycling systems despite the ban on disposable e-cigarettes."
"The waste management company Veolia told Material Focus it had roughly one fire a day across its vehicles and facilities, probably as a result of hidden lithium-ion batteries."
"Scott Butler, the executive director of Material Focus, said the vapocalypse continues as battery fires rose across the UK, emphasizing the need for in-store recycling."
"It is a longstanding legal obligation for all of the stores who are profiting from selling them to offer safe recycling drop-off points and cover the costs of doing that."
In the UK, over 6 million vapes and vape pods are discarded weekly, causing significant strain on recycling systems. A ban on single-use vapes, effective June 2025, led to a 23% reduction in waste and a 31% drop in purchases. However, issues persist, including daily fires linked to lithium-ion batteries and over 200,000 incorrectly recycled vapes monthly. Nearly half of vapers are unaware of recycling options. The executive director of Material Focus emphasized the need for in-store recycling and legal obligations for sellers to facilitate safe disposal.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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