Disposable vapes have rapidly become a waste crisis in the UK and we paid the price of one of these pesky batteries in August 2025 which resulted in our Waste Transfer Station being burnt to the ground. Overnight, 10 people were made redundant, disposal costs soared, and we are left fighting for survival until a new MRF can be built. With 4 to 5 fires a day in waste companies, and millions of vapes continuing to be discarded every week, lithium-ion battery fires are being described as an epidemic blighting the waste industry.
Each vape not only contains lithium-ion batteries but also nicotine residue, plastics, and metals—all of which are hazardous when disposed of incorrectly. Fires, toxic leaks, and wasted resources are now common consequences. Local authorities must step forward and act now, not just with collection systems, but with education that helps individuals make the right choices.
Why Local Authorities Must Act
As the bodies responsible for waste management and recycling education, local councils are on the frontline of this problem. Yet many residents remain unaware that vapes are classed as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). Without this knowledge, vapes continue to be thrown into black bins or general recycling, creating risks for waste management providers.
By investing in education, councils can:
- Prevent fires caused by crushed lithium batteries; like the catastrophic one we have suffered at our Waste Transfer Station!
- Protect public health from the toxic chemicals leaking into soil, water and our ecosystems.
- Conserve resources by recovering valuable metals like lithium and copper, which can be Recycled.
Education: The Missing Piece
Infrastructure alone isn’t enough. Individuals need clear, consistent guidance on how and where to dispose of vapes. Putting them in clear bags, on top of wheelie bins on collection days just does not cut it. Local authorities should:
✓ Launch public awareness campaigns.
Use council websites, newsletters, social media and flyers to highlight the dangers of improper disposal and point to recycling facilities.
✓ Provide signage and instructions at collection points.
Clear, simple language at recycling centres and public spaces ensures individuals know where to take used vapes. For example, where are the disposal points on Aylesbury High Street?
✓ Partner with schools and community groups.
Educational workshops and resources can help young people and families understand the issue early; before it is too late and they are thrown in a general waste bin. Vapes are very popular with the younger generation, and it is more important than ever that they are informed about disposal before it is too late.
✓ Collaborate with retailers.
Support shop-based take-back schemes; if a shop sell vapes then they should also dispose of them sustainably. Local Authorities should enforce and encourage this.
Preparing for the Future
The Government have attempted to act with the ban on single use vapes in June 2025. But, millions of devices still circulate, and without guidance, will continue to enter the general waste stream incorrectly. Proactive education ensures smoother compliance and reduces risk.
Conclusion
Local authorities are uniquely positioned to change behaviour at scale. By prioritising vape disposal education, councils can protect their communities, prevent fires, and safeguard the environment. It is very clear that vape fires in waste transfer stations are preventable. The solution is about building awareness of how deadly these pieces of ‘plastic’ can be. Now is the time for councils to lead the way to avoid more disasters like ours and protect local businesses.