Put a £5 deposit on vapes to stop littering, say waste companies

Waste companies are proposing a £5 deposit on vapes to encourage proper disposal and reduce fire risks in waste facilities, a year after disposable vapes were banned ^[1][2].

The Environmental Services Association (ESA), the industry body for waste companies, argues a refundable deposit at the point of purchase is a "simple, fair, efficient and cost-neutral solution" to improve recycling rates ^[1]. The UK's largest waste company, Biffa, has suggested the £5 figure, though this would be subject to consultation ^[1]. The call comes despite a ban on disposable vapes a year ago, which was enacted partly due to the fires they cause in bin lorries and waste facilities when discarded with general rubbish ^[1][2]. The Local Government Association (LGA) reports the number of vapes thrown away each week has fallen from 8.2 million to about six million since the ban ^[1][2]. However, ESA's head of recycling policy, Patrick Brighty, stated, "each week operators across the waste sector continue to see hundreds of thousands of carelessly discarded vapes arrive at their facilities hidden among other waste, which poses a major fire risk" ^[1]. He added that vapes discarded with other rubbish are unlikely to be recycled, wasting the precious materials they contain, and that the existing take-back infrastructure is "currently underperforming" due to a lack of consumer incentives ^[1]. Some vape companies oppose the deposit scheme, warning it would encourage people to buy from illicit retailers who do not charge it ^[1][2]. Marcus Saxton, chairman of the Independent British Vape Trade Association, conceded more must be done to encourage recycling but echoed concerns about illicit trade ^[1]. The LGA has also called for a ban on reusable vapes that are similar in size and price to banned disposables, arguing they create a regulatory "loophole" and continue to cause fires ^[1].