How should we dispose of disposable vapes?

As the popularity of disposable vapes continues to grow, councils and waste management workers are urging the public to avoid throwing these items in regular trash bins. Instead, they are encouraging proper recycling methods. The London Fire Brigade has reported responding to over 200 fires in the past two years that were caused by lithium batteries found in disposable vapes. These batteries pose a significant risk when disposed of improperly, as they can ignite fires that endanger the lives of waste workers. This raises the question: how should Londoners dispose of their disposable vapes? Are they difficult to recycle? Campaigners have pointed out that the materials and chemicals used in vapes, particularly the lithium batteries, make safe disposal a challenge. Refillable vapes and e-cigarettes are generally easier to recycle, but disposable vapes present a greater difficulty because the lithium batteries are encased within the vape itself, making them hard to remove. According to a report by the not-for-profit organization Material Values, only 17% of disposable vapes are recycled, and an estimated five million of these vapes are discarded each week in the UK. This is concerning, as it means a large number of batteries are not being disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. The London Fire Brigade has made it clear that lithium batteries and devices containing hidden lithium batteries should not be placed in regular rubbish or recycling bins. If a battery is damaged, it can explode and cause a fire. Fires at landfill sites have occurred when batteries were improperly disposed of in household bins, compacted in waste trucks, or stored in landfills. The LFB has stated that these battery-related fires are resource-intensive and time-consuming to extinguish. So, how can individuals recycle their disposable vapes? Many retailers now offer take-back services, allowing customers to drop off their used vapes in designated bins at their stores. Additionally, individuals can check their postcode to find nearby recycling points, such as those provided by Material Values and other initiatives. Some local councils also have recycling points at household recycling centers, but it is essential to visit the local council's website to confirm whether this service is available in the area. The new Labour government is currently considering plans for a Tobacco and Vapes Bill, but it remains uncertain whether this will include a ban on disposable vapes. In 2022, London Mayor Sadiq Khan informed the London Assembly that efforts were underway to improve access to vape recycling in apartment buildings, which he noted had led to a decrease in the number of disposable vapes in regular waste. The previous Conservative government had proposed a ban on disposable vapes to take effect in April 2025, which would effectively eliminate the recycling issue since these products would no longer be available for sale. However, this Tobacco and Vapes Bill had not been enacted before parliament was dissolved ahead of the July general election. The new Labour government has indicated that it will introduce its own Tobacco and Vapes Bill, but details released so far do not mention a ban on disposable vapes. In the meantime, safety experts and council workers continue to emphasize the importance of recycling disposable vapes properly rather than discarding them in regular trash.