A year after the UK banned single-use vapes, the waste and recycling industry is intensifying calls for a nationwide vape takeback scheme.
The ban on disposable vapes, introduced on 1 June 2025, was designed to cut environmental harm and tackle rising youth use.
While campaigners say it has reduced the number of throwaway devices entering the waste stream, evidence suggests the wider problem of vape disposal remains far from solved.
New figures from Material Focus estimate that 6.3 million vapes and pods are still being binned every week across the UK, despite legal obligations for retailers to offer takeback services.
That figure marks a 23% drop compared with the previous year, with sales of disposable-style devices also down by almost a third, showing the ban has had a measurable effect.
But industry leaders say regulation alone has not changed consumer habits enough.
A Deposit Scheme for Vapes
Waste firms are now urging ministers to back a deposit-style return system for vapes, arguing that financial incentives could significantly increase recycling rates.
Under proposals put forward, consumers would pay a small upfront charge when buying a vape, reclaimable once the used device is returned through existing retailer collection schemes.
Supporters say the infrastructure is already in place, but uptake remains low because there is little motivation for people to return devices.
A consumer poll found that 85% of people would be more likely to return used vapes if they received money back, with respondents suggesting a deposit of around £4 would be enough to encourage participation.
Patrick Brighty, Head of Recycling Policy at the ESA, added: “We believe a small refundable deposit on vape devices at the point of purchase is a simple, fair, efficient and cost-neutral solution that will see millions more vapes recycled properly across the UK.”
The Rise of Waste Fires
The renewed push comes amid growing concern over battery fires linked to discarded vapes.
Material Focus has previously reported that more than 1,200 fires were recorded in waste trucks and recycling centres during 2023/24, many linked to lithium-ion batteries hidden in general waste.
The shift away from disposables has also created a new challenge, with many consumers now buying cheap rechargeable models but continuing to treat them as single-use items.
Industry research suggests these devices are often discarded with substantial battery charge still remaining, increasing the fire risk even further.
