Over 20 million vapes not recycled last year, WEEE says

By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

More than 20 million vapes sold last year in Ireland were not returned for recycling, according to new figures.

The devices contain lithium batteries, plastic and electrical parts which are not entering the recycling system in the vast majority of cases.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Ireland has also warned they pose serious environmental and fire risks as it asked the public to never bin vapes.

In the 20 counties in which WEEE operates, it found that just 6% of used vape and e-cigarette devices came back for recycling.

It said – in those counties – only 1.4 million of the 25 million vapes sold last year had been returned.

WEEE said the actual figure was even higher when other counties were considered and because of the overall amount not accounting for illegal vape imports and unregulated sellers.

The recycling scheme’s chief executive Leo Donovan said its research shows low awareness of correct disposal for vapes – which are covered by a free e-waste and battery takeback system.

He said: “Responsibility sits with every vape user to dispose of these products correctly and safely after use.

“Recycling them for free has never been easier, with thousands of WEEE Ireland Blue Battery Boxes available at supermarkets, newsagents, electrical retailers and local authority recycling centres nationwide.”

Donovan said the devices contain critical raw materials such as lithium, copper and cobalt that can be recovered and reused in manufacturing.

He added: “When thrown in the bin, those valuable resources are lost.

“There is also a very real fire risk when battery-powered products such as vapes become crushed or damaged during waste collection and processing.”