Vape retailer VPZ has teamed up with WasteCare to launch a nationwide recycling service for e-cigarettes.

Doug Mutter, director at VPZ, said vapes contain lithium batteries and plastic, and when littered they can cause harm to the local environment.

The service is now live in all of VPZ’s network of over 150 stores throughout the UK, and the service is open to all, as anyone can visit a store and dispose safely of their e-cigarettes.

All recycling processes will be handled by WasteCare, which will be responsible for safely collecting, treating, and recovering disposable vapes and reusable hardware devices from within its plant in Elland, West Yorkshire.

Mutter added that it will help clean up local environments throughout the country, while educating vapers on being responsible and using more sustainable vaping products.

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He said: “We are excited to be launching this ground-breaking service with WasteCare to respond to an emerging environmental issue. Any form of littering is unacceptable, however the proliferation of disposable vape use has led to single-use devices being discarded in local environments.

“Our partnership with WasteCare responds to this challenge head on, and vapers can come into our network of over 150 stores throughout the country to recycle their vape devices, both disposable and reusable, in a safe and responsible way. Our service will also help us engage with adult smokers and vapers to educate them on the sustainable and environmental benefits of using reusable products.”

Peter Hunt, managing director of WasteCare, said: “With the growing demand for vapes and e-cigarettes, we are delighted that VPZ is leading the way in providing a safe and environmentally sound way to tackle what is becoming a major challenge.

“WasteCare is the UK’s only permitted recycler of portable batteries. Every vape contains a lithium battery and our plant is designed to safely recover the precious material from the vaping device, as well as the metal and plastic components in it.”

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Mutter added the company was also continuing to call on both the UK and Scottish governments to introduce tighter controls and licensing for selling vape products.

Mutter added: “At the moment, we have a challenge in the industry where many imported, unregulated, disposable vape products are readily available from local convenience stores, supermarkets and several other general retailers with no age verification checks or control in place. This is an emerging problem that threatens the huge progress of vaping in transforming the health of the nation and helping the country meet its smoke-free targets.

“We are urging the UK government to act now and follow best practices from countries like New Zealand, where flavoured products can only be sold from specialist licensed vape stores. Thus, ensuring that an appropriate Challenge 25 policy is in place and consultation is aimed towards adult smokers and vapers.”

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