Why you should never bin disposable vapes and how it could cost you £600
The selling of disposable vapes is to be completely banned both in store and online in the UK from June 1. In a bid to protect the environment and deter young people and kids from vaping, the colourful throwaway nicotine sticks are to be stripped from the shelves.
The unsafe disposing of vape products is linked to more than 11 fires per week, and harmful chemicals inside the devices are polluting the country's rivers and streams. According to research, only 17 per cent of people dispose of their vapes correctly.
While the new ban is designed to deter vape use, reports suggest that many people are either stockpiling disposable vapes or switching to reusable models, meaning the problems associated with binning old vapes is likely to persist in some manner at least.
With this in mind, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEE) experts at BusinessWaste.co.uk are warning the public about the dangers of binning old vapes, which they say could even result in a £600 fine if you're not careful.
Graham Matthews of BusinessWaste.co.uk said: 'The ban on disposable vapes is certainly a step in the right direction. However, it's concerning to see it hasn't had the desired effect with many people simply stockpiling or switching to reusable models.
"While a reusable vape is still the preferred option, the lack of education surrounding correct disposal means we're likely to see vape-related bin and waste fires continue."
So, why shouldn't you bin vapes, and how can you safely dispose of them? Here's what the experts had to say.
Why shouldn't you bin vapes?
Many people mistakenly believe that vapes can be tossed into their regular bin at home, but they're actually classed as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), which has strict rules for disposal.
When vapes are disposed of in household bins, this can lead to fires in bin lorries and at waste management sites, which puts workers and the public at risk.
Vapes contain lithium-ion batteries that can overheat and ignite when damaged or crushed. If vapes enter bin lorries or waste management facilities, they're at risk of catching fire.
Data shows that vape-related fires are on the rise in the UK, with a huge surge of 348 per cent between 2020 and 2025.
Any vapes that end up in landfill can also leach battery acid, nicotine, and chemicals from the plastic into the environment, causing further damage.
Can you be fined for putting a vape in household waste?
WEEE waste is classed as hazardous or controlled waste that must be disposed of separately from usual waste to prevent environmental harm. And you can be fined up to £600 if you breach your household waste duty of care.
It could also void your home insurance if vapes in your household bin cause a fire, as this could be classed as negligence, explained the WEEE experts.
How to waste disposable vapes correctly
The safest and easiest way to waste a disposable vape is to put it in a dedicated vape disposal bin, which can be found in many shops and supermarkets, or return it to a retailer. Many electrical and electronic shops accept used disposable vapes and will ensure they're recycled.
If you can easily remove the battery, then you could separate it and take it to a local battery recycling point which can also be found in many shops and supermarkets.
However, the way disposable vapes are made means it's difficult to separate the battery and materials in many single-use vapes, and disposing of them through the proper channels is advised.
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