UK Government Ban on Disposable Vapes: A Catalyst for Sustainable Recycling Solutions

New legislation has been laid in Parliament to ban the sale of single-use vapes starting from 1 June 2025, as confirmed by Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh. This regulatory shift opens the door for sustainable vape disposal and recycling solutions.

At Recyclus Group, we recognise this change as a pivotal moment to address the growing environmental and safety concerns posed by disposable vapes.

Hazardous Waste and Environmental Contamination

Disposable vapes contribute to hazardous waste streams due to the toxic chemicals they contain. In a blog published by Defra earlier this week, it was revealed that over 40 tonnes of lithium from single-use vapes were discarded in 2022—equivalent to the amount needed to power 5,000 electric vehicles (Source).

With dangerous substances like nicotine, lithium, battery acid and heavy metals leaking into the environment as vapes decompose, improper disposal can lead to soil and water contamination, posing long-lasting environmental risks.

Plastic Pollution from Non-Biodegradable Components

The environmental implications of disposable vapes extend beyond chemical hazards. The non-biodegradable plastic components used in these devices can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.

Defra estimates over 5 million disposable vapes were discarded every week in the UK last year, with many ending up in landfills, waterways and oceans. This long-term pollution underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions in the disposal and recycling of vapes.

Flammable Lithium Batteries: A Fire Hazard

The lithium-ion batteries in disposable vapes pose an additional risk due to their flammable nature. These batteries increase the likelihood of fires in waste processing facilities and collection vehicles.

With over 700 fires reported in UK waste facilities each year, the presence of lithium batteries in improperly disposed of vapes is a growing concern that requires urgent action.

Resource Depletion and the Need for Recycling

Vapes contain valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, platinum, and rare earth elements. With global lithium supplies strained and the extraction of these metals leading to environmental degradation, the significant amount of lithium discarded each year in disposable vapes highlights the need for a circular economy approach. By recycling these materials, Recyclus Group aims to recover valuable resources and reduce the environmental footprint of metal extraction.

Our Leading Solution

At Recyclus Group, we are committed to delivering innovative and sustainable recycling solutions for lithium-ion batteries.

The ban, introduced as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, presents an opportunity for responsible waste management practices and the recovery of valuable materials. Together, we can help protect the environment and conserve finite resources for future generations.