Waste companies in the UK have proposed introducing a refundable deposit of up to £5 on vapes to encourage proper disposal and reduce littering. This proposal comes a year after disposable vapes were banned due to the problems they caused for waste collection and recycling facilities. The industry body representing waste companies argues that the deposit would incentivize consumers to return used vapes for recycling, addressing ongoing issues with vape waste.
Why this matters
Vapes discarded improperly pose significant challenges for waste management. They can cause fires in bin lorries and waste facilities and often end up in general rubbish, preventing valuable materials from being recycled. Despite the ban on disposable vapes, millions are still discarded weekly, creating environmental and safety risks. A deposit scheme aims to reduce these risks by encouraging responsible disposal and improving recycling rates.
Proposal details and industry response
The Environmental Services Association (ESA), which represents waste companies, has suggested charging a deposit on vapes at the point of sale. Customers would receive the deposit back when they return the vape to a designated collection point, such as the store where it was purchased or a recycling facility. The ESA describes this as a “simple, fair, efficient and cost-neutral solution” to the problem.
Biffa, the UK’s largest waste company, has proposed a £5 deposit, though this figure would be subject to consultation if the idea moves forward. Patrick Brighty, ESA’s head of recycling policy, highlighted that despite the ban, hundreds of thousands of vapes continue to be discarded improperly each week, posing fire risks and wasting recyclable materials.
Currently, vapes can be returned to stores or recycling centers, but the ESA says the system is underperforming due to a lack of incentives for consumers to use it. The deposit would need to be substantial enough to motivate people to return vapes rather than throwing them away.
Opposition and concerns
Some vape companies oppose the deposit scheme, warning it could drive consumers to illicit retailers who would not charge the deposit. Marcus Saxton, chairman of the Independent British Vape Trade Association, expressed concern that illegal retailers, who do not comply with legal obligations, would benefit from such a scheme by attracting customers seeking to avoid the deposit.
Saxton noted that illicit vape retailers are already a problem, with some sourcing products from the black market or ignoring regulations. He argued that enforcement challenges could undermine the effectiveness of a deposit scheme.
Current situation and regulatory context
The Local Government Association (LGA) reports that the number of vapes discarded weekly has decreased from 8.2 million to about six million since the disposable vape ban. However, many vapes causing problems today are reusable models designed to circumvent the ban by including USB ports and refillable tanks.
The LGA has called for these reusable vapes to be banned as well. Councillor Dr Wendy Taylor, chairwoman of the LGA’s health and wellbeing committee, emphasized the need for stronger enforcement and closing loopholes to prevent continued waste and fire risks.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has not commented directly on the deposit proposal. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds stated that the government has taken “decisive action” against disposable vape waste and is committed to holding retailers accountable for providing vape recycling bins.
Recommended reading
For more context, see related Peack News coverage and explainers linked below.
