The ban on disposable vapes implemented in June is reportedly not resolving the issue of improper disposal, creating ongoing challenges for the waste management sector, according to Roger Wright, strategy and packaging manager at Biffa, a leading waste management firm. Wright stated that the number of vapes appearing in their waste systems has increased, leading to more operational difficulties and fires. He noted that the introduction of budget-friendly reusable vape models might contribute to continued improper disposal, as consumers often choose to discard them rather than recycle.
In the period leading up to the ban in April and May, Biffa’s facilities in various regions reported an average of 200,000 vapes incorrectly mixed with general recycling. Post-ban, this number has seen a 3% rise. Biffa indicates that around a million vapes might be improperly discarded each month across the UK, a situation exacerbated by the sale of large stocks of disposable vapes prior to the ban. Wright criticized the vape industry’s response, suggesting that replacing disposable products with similar designed reusables has not curtailed waste.
Despite these claims, the Independent British Vape Trade Association asserts that the ban has been effective, citing evidence of consumer trends toward refilling and recharging devices. Marcus Sexton, the association’s chairman, expressed the view that the data suggests an influx of disposable products may stem from illegal market activities rather than consumer behavior.
Vapes contain lithium batteries, which can ignite when damaged—an issue highlighted by the significant number of related incidents, including 60 fire-related occurrences in June alone. These incidents contribute to excessive costs for the waste management industry, approximated at one billion pounds annually. A government spokesperson reiterated the need for the ban, linking disposable vapes to youth nicotine addiction and waste management problems, while emphasizing the introduction of recycling initiatives for retailers.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y8563rjkdo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss