The present study, conducted by Waste Experts and commissioned by ANDS, a trademark owner and distributor of alternative nicotine delivery systems, focuses on the recycling performance of two vape products: an existing single-use plastic and aluminium vape, and a new cardboard-based product. The findings were revealed to parliamentarians at a special Houses of Parliament reception, shedding light on the environmental challenges faced by the category, including the significant amount of disposable products that are discarded every week. Scotland is currently contemplating a ban on such disposables due to their adverse environmental impact.
The study examines various factors to measure the recyclability of these products, such as the materials used, weight of recyclable components, waste diversion from landfill, disassembly time, the number of components in each vape, and the overall product weight. The results indicate that both products exhibit a strong recyclability performance, with between 6% and 99.29% of the product being either recyclable or recoverable, and 8% to 80% being fully recyclable. The study also highlights that only 1.15% of the product is sent to landfill and that each vape consists of 7 to 11 components, requiring 90 to 210 minutes for disassembly.
The report draws attention to the recent launch of a UK-wide vape disposal, collection, and recycling solution for single-use vapes by Biffa, a sustainable waste management company. It emphasizes the importance of designing products with end-of-life disassembly in mind, as the hazardous materials in vapes necessitate manual dismantling due to the lack of a safe mechanical treatment method for all types of vapes.
Despite the evident recyclability of single-use vapes, the study points out that the real environmental challenge lies in the lack of availability and awareness of collection and recycling options for consumers. Accessible collection and recycling systems need to be established to address this issue effectively. Other challenges identified include limited options for recycling plastic wrapping and the need for special treatment of used units that may have deteriorated with time.
Marina Murphy, senior director of scientific and medical affairs at ANDS, emphasizes the need for consumer awareness and appropriate collection systems to facilitate recycling participation. She acknowledges that while the findings are promising, more work is required to minimize the environmental impact of products and collaborate with waste industry partners to overcome the challenges highlighted in the report. The industry intends to enhance the sustainability of its products and plans to introduce a 100% recyclable product by the end of the year.
During the launch of the study, Mark Pawsey MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Vaping, remarks that there is a changing climate surrounding single-use e-cigarettes and a window of opportunity to address their environmental impact. He endorses the report and expresses delight at the industry’s commitment to tackling this issue.
