VAPE recycling across Worcestershire has nearly doubled in a year following the introduction of the disposable vape ban, new figures from Worcestershire County Council show.
The amount of vapes collected at the county’s household recycling centres rose from 1.67 tonnes in 2024 to 3.30 tonnes in 2025, reflecting a growing number of residents choosing to dispose of these items safely.
The increase comes as the authority marks the first anniversary of the ban in June 2025, and issues a renewed reminder that vapes should never be placed in general waste or household recycling bins.
Incorrect disposal of vapes is a growing cause of fires in bin lorries, waste sites and recycling facilities due to the lithium batteries they contain.
Coun Josh Robinson, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for environment and communities, said: “The significant increase in vape recycling across Worcestershire is encouraging and shows that more residents are taking positive steps to dispose of these items responsibly.
“However, too many vapes are still ending up in household waste and recycling bins, where they can cause serious problems.
“Unfortunately, we have seen fires at waste facilities caused by batteries from items such as vapes being placed in general waste or household recycling.
“These incidents can result in extensive damage to vehicles and facilities and, most importantly, put collection crews and site staff at risk.
“Vapes contain valuable materials that can be recovered and reused, but only if they are recycled correctly.
“As we mark one year since the disposable vape ban came into force, I would encourage all residents to make use of the dedicated recycling points available at our household recycling centres and help us protect both people and the environment.
“Vape retailers must also offer a ‘take back’ service, meaning that they must accept vapes and vape parts – such as used pods, coils or batteries -that customers return for recycling.”
Despite the ban on single-use vapes, an estimated six million vapes and vape pods are still thrown away every week across the UK, contributing to the rising number of waste fires nationwide.
In Worcestershire, vapes and small electricals are still being found every day at the recycling sorting facility in Norton, highlighting the need for continued public awareness.
Visit www.letswasteless.com or www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk for information on how to recycle vapes safely.
