Waste Companies Advocate for Vape Deposit Scheme
Waste companies have proposed implementing a deposit of up to £5 on vapes to encourage proper disposal. This measure aims to reduce the risk of fires caused by disposable vapes discarded with general waste.
Disposable vapes were banned a year ago, partly due to the fires they can ignite in bin lorries and waste facilities when disposed of improperly.
The Environmental Services Association (ESA), representing waste companies, states that vape recycling rates have not improved sufficiently. They suggest a small, refundable deposit at purchase as a "simple, fair, efficient and cost-neutral solution" to this issue.
However, some vape manufacturers oppose the deposit scheme, arguing it could drive consumers to illicit retailers who do not charge the deposit.
Details of the Proposed Deposit Scheme
Under the ESA's proposal, a deposit would be charged on vapes at the point of sale and refunded when consumers return the vapes for proper disposal.
Currently, vapes can be returned to the stores where they were purchased, which are required to have facilities for their return, or to designated recycling centres.
It is advised that vapes should not be placed in normal bins, general recycling, or discarded as litter.
If crushed in bin lorries or waste treatment plants, vapes can short circuit and ignite fires due to the high energy stored in their lithium batteries.
The ESA emphasizes that the deposit must be substantial enough to motivate proper disposal. Biffa, the UK's largest waste management company, has suggested a £5 deposit, which would be subject to consultation if the proposal advances.
Industry Perspectives and Recycling Challenges
Patrick Brighty, head of recycling policy at the ESA, highlighted ongoing concerns:
"Despite the ban, each week operators across the waste sector continue to see hundreds of thousands of carelessly discarded vapes arrive at their facilities hidden among other waste, which poses a major fire risk.
Vapes discarded with other rubbish are also unlikely to be recycled, which is a chronic waste of the precious materials they contain."
He noted that the existing infrastructure for vape take-back and recycling is "currently underperforming" due to insufficient incentives for consumers to use it.
According to recycling organisation Material Focus, the number of vapes discarded weekly has decreased since the disposable ban—from 8.2 million to approximately six million.
Reusable Vapes and Regulatory Responses
Some companies offer reusable vapes that resemble disposable models in size and price but feature USB ports and refillable tanks, qualifying them as reusable devices.
The Local Government Association (LGA) has called for a ban on these products. Councillor Dr Wendy Taylor, chairwoman of the LGA's health and wellbeing committee, stated that the second year of the ban should focus on enforcement and closing the "loophole" presented by these vapes.
"A year on, the volume of vapes in our bins has dropped, but industry has moved faster than regulation – the products causing fires in our bin lorries today are effectively the same disposables in a different shell," she said.
Concerns from the Vape Industry
Marcus Saxton, chairman of the Independent British Vape Trade Association, acknowledged that more efforts are needed to encourage vape recycling.
However, he warned that a deposit scheme might push consumers toward illicit retailers who would not charge the deposit.
"Those retailers that aren't abiding by their legal obligation won't do this, it won't be enforced, and ultimately consumers will go to that route to purchase which is a complete disaster," Saxton said.
He added,
"We know that there are a number of illicit retailers at the moment that are either taking supply from the black market or just not abiding by their legal obligations today."
Government Response
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) did not provide a direct response regarding a refundable deposit for vapes.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds stated that the government has taken "decisive action" to address the harm caused by disposable vapes.
She said ministers "are committed to going further" by holding retailers accountable if they do not provide vape recycling bins.
