The Fed is looking to support stores in achieving compliance with recycling laws for vaping products, and is urging vaping suppliers to help finance takeback schemes in store.

Members said the subject was discussed at district meetings last week, coinciding with Better Retailing’s exclusive news that stores have just one month to achieve Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment recycling regulation compliance before a step-up in enforcement activity.

The regulation means nearly all shops selling vapes must join a takeback scheme, such as Valpak, operate a recycling point in store or partner with another recycling point.

Find out more: EXCLUSIVE: Stores face fines over vape-recycling failures

National president Jason Birks confirmed to Better Retailing: “We’re looking to do something with Valpak, like Booker is. Vaping has been an important part of our members’ profits and growth in the past year, so we need to make sure we’re selling responsibly, especially considering the scrutiny of the category and the ongoing push for new vaping legislation.”

The Moscis Convenience store owner added: “It’s disappointing suppliers haven’t proactively supported stores in complying with the recycling laws. Costs of compliance when selling products should be borne by suppliers, not shop owners.”

Birks agreed talks with suppliers should take place to outline how they will work with partnered stores to tackle waste and the recycling of products.

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