Disposable vapes present three primary obstacles: they contribute to litter, their batteries pose a fire hazard, and their small components complicate the recycling process.
Today, our team of Waste Experts will be making a significant visit to the houses of parliament, where we will unveil our latest comprehensive report titled “The Challenges of Recycling Single Use Vapes.” Commencing the event will be the introduction by our very own Stewart Price, who will set the tone for the occasion. Following Stewart’s opening remarks, Member of Parliament Mark Pawsey will take the floor to emphasize the crucial importance of addressing the various issues associated with vaping.
Building upon this foundation, Stewart Price will deliver an in-depth speech, delving into the key findings and essential aspects of the report. With his expertise, he will shed light on the specific challenges posed by single-use vapes, ensuring that all attendees grasp the gravity of the situation.
As the event nears its conclusion, John Dunne, representing the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), will take the stage to deliver the closing remarks. His perspective as a representative of the vaping industry will provide valuable insights and perspectives on how the sector can contribute to resolving the challenges outlined in the report.
The Waste Experts’ report focuses on the critical issues surrounding disposable vapes, which are classified as waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). One of the prominent risks associated with these vapes is the potential for explosion due to the presence of lithium-ion batteries. Storing used vapes before commercial recycling poses a significant risk, as improper storage conditions or damaged vapes can lead to thermal runaway caused by lithium. This highlights the need for careful handling and proper disposal of these devices.
Moreover, disposable vapes consist of multiple intricate components, making it challenging for recyclers to separate and utilize the materials effectively. Most recycling centers are not equipped to handle the small and complex parts of these devices on a large scale, placing the burden on consumers to disassemble them before disposing of them in recycling points. However, the design of these vapes often discourages easy disassembly, further complicating the recycling process.
The recycling technology for lithium-ion batteries is not yet universally established to cope with the sheer volume of vapes produced, let alone other battery waste streams. As a result, manufacturing and selling disposable vapes not only contribute to the creation of waste management challenges but also hinder efforts to recover finite materials and protect the environment.
Disposable e-cigarettes, while popular for their convenience, low cost, and variety of flavors, pose significant end-of-life waste management challenges. Their classification as single-use products, non-rechargeable design, and complex composition make recycling difficult. Some local councils in the UK have called for a complete ban on disposable vapes, given their environmental impact and the increasing misuse by underage individuals. However, despite these concerns, the UK government has chosen not to implement a full ban on these products
