Ban Fails: 6M Vapes Weekly Flood UK Waste

Single-use vapes were banned in June 2025, yet the UK continues to see over 6 million vapes discarded weekly, straining recycling systems and causing fires. Hidden lithium-ion batteries within these devices pose a significant danger, with waste management companies like Suez reporting hundreds of fires linked to vapes annually. Dr. Adam Read of Suez stated that these devices are suspected in over 80% of fires across their sites.

The sheer volume of discarded vapes, used and thrown away frequently, makes them a unique waste challenge compared to longer-lasting battery-powered items. This issue is estimated to cost the sector around £1 billion annually, with insurers now viewing waste sites as high-risk facilities due to prevalent fires. A major blaze in Aberdeen four years ago, costing £20 million, serves as a stark example.

Industry figures suggest the ban has merely shifted the problem, with larger, rechargeable vapes now appearing more frequently in the waste stream, containing bigger batteries. To combat this, proposed solutions include producers bearing a handling cost for each vape and implementing a deposit return scheme, which could potentially reduce fire risks by up to 90%.