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## Five Million Disposable Vapes Thrown Away Each Week in the UK

By Ben King, Business reporter, BBC News

Published: September 8, 2023

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*Image source: Getty Images*

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According to research from recycling campaign group Material Focus, the number of disposable vapes discarded every week in the UK has quadrupled in the past year, reaching five million units. With this rapid increase, it is crucial to find a solution to address the environmental impact caused by the improper disposal of these devices.

The research found that only 17% of vapers recycle their vapes in the correct recycling bins, highlighting a concerning lack of awareness or accessibility to proper recycling methods. It is important to note that improper disposal of vapes can lead to fires in bin lorries and waste treatment facilities, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

To tackle this issue, one potential solution is the AI legalese decoder. This innovative tool can help simplify and interpret complex legal language often found in recycling policies and guidelines. By using AI legalese decoder, individuals and businesses can easily understand the necessary steps and processes for responsibly disposing of disposable vapes.

Disposable vapes, which are inexpensive plastic devices designed for a limited number of uses before being discarded, often end up in regular bins or on roadsides. Material Focus, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing recycling rates, estimates that UK adults purchase approximately 30 million vapes each month, reflecting the significant growth in popularity of these products.

It is worth noting that disposable vapes contain valuable materials such as copper wires and lithium batteries. Material Focus estimates that the lithium found in all the disposable vapes thrown away in a year could potentially provide batteries for 5,000 electric cars. Therefore, proper recycling of these devices is not only essential for environmental reasons but also for resource recovery.

To ensure the safe and efficient recycling of disposable vapes, it is crucial to dispose of them in dedicated bins available in shops or recycling centers. These specially designed bins often contain a mineral called vermiculite, which minimizes the risk of fire incidents. From these collection points, the vapes can be taken to specialized recycling facilities, where they can be dismantled manually for proper recycling.

While it is legally required for shops selling vapes to accept their return, the lack of financial incentive often deters businesses from providing this service. The potential annual cost of recycling all the disposable vapes in the UK is estimated to be £200m, a cost that is currently not being fully covered by producers, importers, or retailers.

Scott Butler, the executive director of Material Focus, emphasizes the need for improved recycling facilities, stating that current options are far from adequate. Recycling should be as accessible and straightforward as the purchase of these devices.

Improper disposal of vapes mixed with other household waste poses a fire risk to bin lorries and waste facilities. Waste management company Veolia, responsible for collecting approximately 10% of the UK’s waste, reports that lithium batteries, including vapes, cause an average of one fire per day in their facilities.

The research also reveals that young vapers are more likely than adults to dispose of their vapes incorrectly or even flush them down toilets to avoid detection by parents. This behavior underscores the additional need for education and awareness among young people regarding proper disposal methods.

Elfbar, the most popular disposable vape brand in the UK, has pledged its commitment to increasing recycling rates. The company is actively working to establish thousands of recycling points in retail outlets and improve the recyclability of their products. Similarly, many independent vape shops have implemented their own recycling facilities.

John Dunne, director general of the UK Vaping Industry Association, acknowledges that the industry’s rapid growth has presented challenges in keeping up with proper disposal practices. However, he points out that many independent vape shops now offer recycling facilities.

The UK government expresses concern regarding the environmental impact of disposable vapes and states that a response to the call for evidence on vaping, which closed in June, will be published shortly.

Material Focus conducted its research based on a survey by YouGov, with 5,156 participants, including 167 individuals aged 16 or 17.

In conclusion, the increasing number of disposable vapes being thrown away in the UK demands urgent action to minimize their environmental impact. The AI legalese decoder can play a vital role in simplifying recycling regulations and making them more easily understandable for both businesses and consumers. By promoting education, increasing recycling infrastructure, and encouraging responsible disposal practices, we can address the growing issue of improper vape disposal and ensure a more sustainable future.

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