UK Vapocalypse: 8 Million Vapes Unrecycled Weekly

Lack of Information and Rise of “Big Puff” Vapes Contribute to Growing Environmental Concern

A recent report by the recycling charity Material Focus has uncovered a staggering statistic: about eight (7.7) million disposable vapes are improperly disposed of or incorrectly recycled in the UK every week. This alarming trend, dubbed the “vapocalypse,” has raised significant concerns about the environmental impact of vaping devices and the lack of information available to consumers regarding proper disposal methods.

In-Store Recycling Rises, but Majority Still Throw Vapes in the Bin

While in-store recycling for vapes has increased to 20% from 8% last year, the report reveals that 61% of people continue to discard single-use vapes in general waste bins. The study also found that 77% of British vapers feel there is insufficient information on how to recycle vapes correctly, and 39% of vapes purchased each month are single-use.

To address this issue, Material Focus emphasizes that disposable vapes should not be thrown in general bins, left for kerbside collection, or recycled with other batteries. Instead, they should be recycled as electronic waste (WEEE) at designated bins located in waste recycling centres, some supermarkets, roadside recycling areas, large stores that sell electrical and electronic goods, and most vape shops.

Read more: Amazon and eBay to pay ‘fair share’ for vape recycling in UK

Younger Demographics More Likely to Dispose of Vapes Incorrectly

The report highlights a significant disparity in vape disposal habits among different age groups. Younger people aged 16 to 34 are the most likely to throw away, litter, or flush disposable vapes, with 64% of this demographic disposing of spent cartridges incorrectly. In comparison, 57% of people aged 35 to 54 and 34% of those over 55 dispose of vapes improperly.

The lithium batteries in these cartridges, when disposed of incorrectly, contribute to a substantial rise in battery fires during the waste process. If recycled properly, the lithium from these batteries could power 10,127 electric car batteries annually.

“Big Puff” Vapes Exacerbate Environmental Concerns

Scott Butler, executive director of Material Focus, warns that the threat of a “vapocalypse” persists, and new “big puff” vape models are already contributing to an environmental nightmare. These disposable vapes provide up to 6,000 puffs per device, compared to the average of 600 puffs for a standard single-use vape. Approximately three million “big puff” vapes are sold each week, partly due to their lower cost per puff (0.19p) compared to standard single-use vapes (0.83p).

Butler suggests that while the forthcoming disposable vape ban will remove some of the most environmentally wasteful products from the market, more flexible legislation may be necessary to address new products that vape producers are developing to circumvent the ban.

Vapes responsibilities & regulations industry briefing-updated-11.12.24 Download

Government Announces Plans to Hold Online Marketplaces Accountable

In response to the growing concern, the UK government has announced plans to make online marketplaces that sell high volumes of products to the UK market pay for the recycling and clean-up of disposable, single-use vapes. Mary Creagh, minister for the circular economy, stated that electrical equipment like vapes are being sold in the UK by producers who are failing to pay their fair share for recycling, reusing, or dealing with old or broken items.

As part of the government’s plan for change, Creagh emphasized the importance of helping UK businesses compete and grow while increasing household recycling, cracking down on waste, and ending the throwaway society.

In conclusion, the “vapocalypse” caused by the improper disposal of millions of vapes each week in the UK represents a significant environmental challenge. Addressing this issue will require a concerted effort to educate consumers about proper recycling methods, hold vape producers and online marketplaces accountable, and develop flexible legislation to keep pace with the rapidly evolving vaping industry. By taking swift and decisive action, the UK can mitigate the environmental impact of vaping and work towards a more sustainable future.

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.