Over 1.3 million non-rechargeable vapes are discarded in the UK every week. However, due to confusion surrounding their recyclability, many of these vapes are improperly disposed of as general waste or litter.
Under the strict guidelines of WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) regulations, vapes must be disposed of at designated collection facilities, household recycling centers, or the original point of purchase.
Recognizing the environmental hazards posed by the lithium batteries found in vapes, it is important for retailers to have a vape return system in place. Failure to do so can result in fines of up to £5,000 per store.
In response to this issue, Biffa has launched the Vape Takeback scheme. This scheme enables consumers to safely dispose of single-use e-cigarettes through designated in-store bins. By addressing the issue of litter and helping retailers fulfill legal obligations, this initiative is a step towards effective waste management.
As part of Biffa’s Vape Takeback service for retailers, we offer:
- Branded point-of-sale containers of various capacities
- Regular collection of used vapes, meeting NWFD4 requirements
- Prior notification to retailers regarding collection schedules and necessary paperwork
- Accessible reports on collection schedules, completion, and any wasted journeys through myBiffa
- Flexible national rates based on pack size or integration with existing Biffa small WEEE takeback services
Beyond retail locations, Biffa has also placed vape return bins at airports, motorway service areas, NHS sites, universities, colleges, railway stations, distribution centers, shopping centers, and offices across the UK.
Biffa ensures that the collected vapes are sent to an Approved Authorised Treatment Facility (AATF). There, they are dismantled into their individual parts—battery, casing, electronics, nicotine pads—allowing for separate treatment of each component. Remarkably, up to 80% of the vape device can be recycled.
Daniel Barrett, from Biffa’s Reactive Services team, emphasizes the importance of proper disposal: “It is vital that single-use vapes are disposed of correctly through trusted Approved Authorised Treatment Facilities. Too many of them end up in landfills or incineration, preventing valuable materials such as lithium and plastic from being recycled into new products.”
“Until now, businesses seeking a compliant solution to this problem have had limited options, with only a few small-scale regional and national alternatives available. Our comprehensive Vape Takeback scheme represents another significant initiative from Biffa. It not only supports our customers in their recycling efforts but also demonstrates our commitment to play a key role in contributing to the UK’s Net Zero targets by reducing landfill and emissions.”
