A recent report from Material Focus reveals that more than 90% of vape retailers and producers in the UK are failing to comply with environmental regulations, even as a proposed ban for 2025 looms closer. According to the report, if a 12-month lead time is implemented following the announcement on 29 January 2024, at least 250 million single-use vapes could end up as waste.
The non-profit organisation urges immediate action, highlighting that many retailers and producers are not fulfilling their legal obligations to cover the costs of vape waste collection and recycling.
Detailed Research Findings
Material Focus conducted an extensive survey involving 764 retailers in 13 UK cities, including high street chains, convenience stores, and dedicated vape shops. Despite the legal mandate effective since 1 January 2021, only 11% of these retailers offered recycling points. Among 57 specialist vape stores surveyed, 33% provided drop-off points for used vapes. However, high street brands were largely found to be lacking in recycling facilities.
Producer Compliance Analysis
The study also scrutinised records from over 165 prominent UK vape and vape juice producers. Shockingly, only 15 had registered to comply with environmental regulations for waste electricals, portable batteries, and packaging. These companies are typically members of industry associations such as the UKVIA or IBVTA and have their products registered with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Material Focus estimates that financing the recycling of all 360 million disposable vapes purchased annually in the UK would cost up to £200 million each year.
Responsibilities of Retailers
Retailers play a critical role in ensuring that customers can recycle used vapes by providing accessible drop-off points. This responsibility extends beyond specialised vape stores to include major high street supermarkets, newsagents, petrol stations, and convenience stores, all of which are contributing to environmental harm through the sale of disposable vapes.
Urgent Need for Action
Material Focus has expressed alarm at the minimal progress made over the past year. Despite increasing sales and profits, the environmental costs and the need for effective waste collection and recycling systems have been overlooked.
With the impending ban on single-use vapes scheduled for 2025, it is imperative to establish robust systems for collecting and recycling the substantial number of vapes that might otherwise be discarded. Implementing an efficient and accessible recycling infrastructure for new vape products, including emerging pod systems, is crucial to reduce environmental impact.
