Environmental services company Biffa has launched a UK-wide disposal, collection, and recycling solution for single-use vapes.
The initiative aims to address the improper disposal of non-rechargeable vapes, which often end up in general waste or as litter due to confusion about their recyclability.
Under the WEEE regulations (waste electrical and electronic equipment), it is mandatory to dispose of vapes at a household recycling centre, a designated collection facility, or at the shop of purchase.
Failure to offer a takeback service can result in fines of up to £5,000 per store for retailers.
To combat this issue, Biffa has introduced the Vape Takeback scheme, enabling consumers to safely discard single-use e-cigarettes through in-store bins.
This initiative helps tackle litter and ensures compliance with the law.
As part of the Vape Takeback service, the company provides branded point-of-sale containers of various capacities to retailers.
The used vapes are collected at least once a quarter, with more frequent collections available upon request, in accordance with NWFD4 requirements.
Retailers are notified in advance of collections to prepare the necessary paperwork, and detailed reports on collection schedules and completion are accessible through the myBiffa app.
It is vital that single-use vapes are disposed of properly via trusted Approved Authorised Treatment Facilities.
In addition to in-store bins, Biffa has placed vape return bins in numerous locations across the UK, including airports, motorway service areas, NHS sites, universities and colleges, railway stations, distribution centres, shopping centres, and offices.
Once collected, the vapes are taken to an Approved Authorised Treatment Facility (AATF), where they are dismantled into their individual components, such as batteries, casings, electronics, and nicotine pads.
Each component is treated separately, with up to 80% of the vape device being recyclable.
Daniel Barrett, from Biffa's Reactive Services team, emphasises the importance of proper disposal: "It is vital that single-use vapes are disposed of properly via trusted Approved Authorised Treatment Facilities.
Many of these devices end up in landfill or incinerated, preventing valuable materials like lithium and plastic from being recycled into new products."
He also says the Vape Takeback scheme addresses the need for a compliant solution to this issue, providing businesses with an opportunity to enhance their recycling efforts.
