The study found that 8.2 million single-use and big puff vapes are thrown away each week, compared to 5 million last year.
Material Focus has forecasted that the big puff vapes and other new variations are set to cause significant environmental challenges post the disposable ban next year.
“Big puff” – the new style vape, can hold up to 6,000 puffs per vape, with single use vapes averaging 600. 48% of 16 to 34 year olds are more likely to buy these due to their lower price point.
Scott Butler, executive director, Material Focus, said: “Without quick and extensive action, the threat of a vapocalypse remains and new big puff vape models are already contributing to an environmental nightmare. Vape producers are being infinitely creative with their products in order to avoid the forthcoming disposable vape ban.”
Vapers urged to ‘demand’ recycling points
He continued: “Whilst the current ban will take some of the most environmentally wasteful products off the market, we might need more flexible legislation to deal with the ongoing challenges of the new products surging onto the market. It’s good to see that more vape retailers are beginning to provide recycling facilities, and more people are recycling them. However, this isn’t anywhere near enough to turn the tide. The majority of vapers are either unaware of where to recycle their vapes or don’t have a good experience of recycling them. It should be as easy to recycle a vape as it is to buy one. We want more vapers demanding that where they buy them provide recycling points as it is a legal obligation for all those who sell vapes to provide this after all.
“Vapes, like any other electrical with a plug, battery or cable, should never be binned and always be recycled as a minimum. We need rapid growth in the number of accessible and visible vape recycling drop-off points. And we need proper retailer and producer financing of genuine recycling solutions to recover materials and manage fire risks. The UK needs more accessible recycling drop-off points in stores, in parks, in public spaces near offices, bars and pubs, and in schools, colleges and universities.”
With the report also finding that 77% of UK users feel that there is not enough information on how to recycle their vapes, Material Focus has called on those that vape to report their experiences of recycling their vapes, which will inform its research and encourage retailers to provide more recycling facilities. You can do so here.
Subscribe for free