Over 3.3 million used disposable vapes are stashed in cupboards, hidden in pockets and left in drawers every month in the UK, it has been revealed.
The staggering figures were published as UK vapers brace themselves for the vapes ban on 1 June. While disposable vapes will no longer be on shop shelves from then, millions of old vapes will be left hidden in UK homes - prompting experts to remind Brits of the importance of recycling disposables properly.
That includes David Donaghy, spokesperson at quit smoking missionaries, Riot Labs, who hasteamed up with award-winning campaigner, Waste Less Laura, to share advice on how to safely get rid of old disposables.
Donaghy commented: “Disposable vapes have been an effective tool to help adults quit smoking but they’re wasteful and bad for the environment, so we support a ban. We want to encourage vapers to have a spring clean and heed the advice from our resident expert, Waste Less Laura, on how to recycle disposables properly.”
There is widespread confusion around how to properly recycle disposable vapes, with almost three out of four users unaware how to safely dispose of their devices, whilst a similar number have no idea vapes even contain lithium batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries, if crushed or damaged, can spark serious and dangerous fires – and are also bad for the environment and millions end up in landfill per week that aren’t recycled properly.
Laura Young, better known as Waste Less Laura thanks to her impactful sustainability and environmental campaign work, has shared her simple steps for Brits wanting to dehoard their disposables and do their bit for the planet this month.
“Disposable vapes are the poster child of wasteful design, packed with precious materials, designed to be used once then tossed. This ban is a vital victory for our environment and a wake-up call to the industry.
We cannot continue normalising single-use electronics that pollute our streets, endanger our health, and waste critical resources like lithium. With the UK Government now taking decisive action, it’s time to clear out our drawers, recycle properly and use this moment as a blueprint to challenge other throwaway products.”
Waste Less Laura’s guide to recycling disposable vapes
- Hunt down any of your old disposables. They can be hiding in all sorts of spots around your house. Start by checking coat pockets, sock draws, the back of cupboards and bottom of bags to round up old vapes.
- Find your nearest drop off point. You can search for your nearest place to recycle your old disposables by visiting recycleyourelectricals or rioteliquid.
- Never try to dismantle vapes yourself. If the battery is not easily detachable do not try to dismantle a disposable vape yourself, instead recycle the whole vape at your nearest recycling centre.
- Don’t throw vapes in regular bins. They should never be discarded in a regular bin as they can pose a fire hazard and release hazardous substances.
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