Date published: 2025-05-29 | Category: Focusing on prevention, public safety, Waste and Recycling
Single-use vapes are being banned by the Government from June 1 due to their environmental impact and fire risks.
Vapes are made of plastics that do not break down in the environment, are often littered and introduce harmful substances into the ecosystem. They can also cause fires if not recycled properly.
Research by Material Focus shows that nationally, an estimated 8.2 million vapes are thrown away every week or recycled incorrectly, which amounts to 13 per second.
Bath & North East Somerset Council is reminding residents to place used vapes in loosely tied clear plastic bags on top of their green recycling boxes or visit www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk to find the nearest collection point. Batteries from rechargeable vapes should be removed and recycled with other batteries.
Traders are reminded of their legal duty to provide collection points for waste vapes to their customers and that all waste vapes should be collected by a registered vape recycling service.
The council’s Trading Standards team recently successfully secured a Closure Order for a premises in Keynsham over the sale of illegal vapes and tobacco.
Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Communications and Civic Services said: “We welcome the single-use vape ban which will reduce the amount of environmental waste and damage to our ecosystem, however the challenges posed by these products will remain.
“Vapes placed in bags of rubbish or left loose in recycling containers can lead to fires, so please leave them in a clear plastic bag on top of your green box.
“Illegal vapes are unregulated and pose a risk to consumers. Our trading standards team will continue to work hard to stop illegal vapes being sold, including making checks on local retailers.”
ENDS