Over 6 Million Vapes Discarded Despite Ban on Single-Use Devices, Raising Fire Risks
More than 6 million vapes dumped despite single use ban – deadly fire risk

Image: Express
Despite a government ban on single-use vapes implemented a year ago, approximately 6.3 million vapes have been discarded, posing significant fire hazards. Campaigners urge the government to redefine single-use vapes to include new styles that mimic disposables. A lack of awareness and recycling facilities contributes to the issue.
- 01Around 6.3 million vapes and pods were discarded in the past year despite a ban on single-use devices.
- 02A survey revealed that 47% of adults were unaware that vapes could be recycled, and 43% could not find recycling points.
- 03Biffa reported finding over two million incorrectly discarded vapes at just four sites, averaging nearly 300 vapes per hour.
- 04Fire incidents linked to lithium-ion batteries in vapes continue, with local councils bearing the costs of contamination and fires.
- 05Industry leaders propose a deposit return scheme to incentivize the return of vapes, with 85% of vapers indicating they would participate.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
One year after the UK government banned single-use vapes, campaigners report that approximately 6.3 million vapes and pods have been discarded, raising serious fire risks due to lithium-ion batteries. The ban aimed to reduce environmental harm and curb youth vaping, but many new vape styles circumvent the regulations by mimicking disposables. A survey by Material Focus indicated that 47% of recent vape buyers were unaware of recycling options, while 43% struggled to locate collection points. Biffa, the UK's largest waste management firm, found over two million incorrectly discarded vapes at four sites, highlighting a significant waste management issue. Fire chiefs warn that improperly disposed vapes can ignite fires, particularly in waste collection and recycling facilities. The Local Government Association emphasizes that the financial burden of contaminated recycling falls on residents, not manufacturers. To address these challenges, industry leaders are advocating for a deposit return scheme, which could motivate 85% of vapers to return their devices for recycling.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The improper disposal of vapes leads to increased fire risks and contamination in recycling processes, affecting local waste management efforts.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Would you support a deposit return scheme for vapes?
Connecting to poll...
More about Biffa
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.





&w=1200&q=75)