Vape retailer VPZ has today (1 April) launched an initiative aimed at reducing the number of single-use style vaping devices being discarded and improperly disposed of, amid growing concerns about environmental damage and fire risks.
Under the new scheme, customers can bring a ‘big puff’ device into any VPZ store and swap it for a sustainable alternative for just £1, with the returned devices then disposed of safely on the customer’s behalf.
In exchange, customers will receive either a new vaping kit designed to be reusable and significantly more environmentally friendly than single-use style devices.
The move comes as increasing numbers of big puff devices - often treated as disposable despite containing lithium batteries - are being littered on streets or thrown into household waste, where they can cause fires in bin lorries and recycling centres.
Research recently published by Material Focus highlights the scale of the issue, revealing that 6.3m vapes and pods are still being discarded every week in the UK, despite the introduction of the disposable vape ban last year.
While this marks a reduction compared to previous years, the organisation said the environmental impact remains significant, with over one billion vapes thrown away in the past four years.
The research also found that nearly half (47%) of vapers are unaware that vapes can be recycled, contributing to widespread improper disposal.
Manufacturers have managed to bypass the disposable vape ban, which was introduced last summer by adding charging ports to these devices, allowing the products to technically be classified as reusable. However, in practice many consumers continue to discard them after a single use, largely because they are sold so cheaply.
Last month, during the Report Stage of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in the House of Lords, the UK Government acknowledged that certain devices had been designed specifically to circumvent the spirit of legislation.
VPZ is urging both industry and policymakers to work together to ensure vaping products remain a responsible harm reduction tool for adult smokers while tackling the growing environmental issues linked to improperly discarded devices.
“Too many of these devices are being treated as disposable products when they contain lithium batteries…”
Jamie Strachan, operations director at VPZ, said: “Too many of these devices are being treated as disposable products when they contain lithium batteries that require proper recycling. We’re seeing them littered on streets across the UK and ending up in household waste, which is contributing to fires in bin lorries and recycling facilities.
“This is an environmental and safety issue that needs urgent attention. As a responsible specialist retailer, we believe the industry must do more to encourage proper disposal and reduce the number of these devices being used in the first place. The Government has openly recognised that these products have been deliberately designed to get around the disposable ban. That cannot continue.”
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