With only a few weeks to go until new regulations, here’s how retailers can maintain compliance with recycling schemes.
- The UK’s disposable vape ban will take effect on 1st June 2025
- Survey data from Vape Superstore shows that almost two thirds (65%) of vapers are unaware of existing vape recycling options
- With unlimited fines imposed on retailers for improper vape recycling, experts share tips to stay compliant following new regulations.
Ahead of the upcoming disposable vapes ban on 1st June 2025, thousands of retailers will be preparing to manage the removal of disposable vape stock.
With only weeks to go, survey data from Vape Superstore shows in a survey of over 500 vapers that 65% are unaware of existing recycling options – though nearly 78% say they’d participate if one was made available.
In light of the findings, the team at Vape Superstore are reminding retailers of best practice guidelines to recycle previous stock and to provide customers with the opportunity to recycle.
What to do with unused stock
As a retailer you may only sell single-use vapes up until 1st June. Once the new regulations are in force it’s important to ensure that all stock is removed from the shop floor and stored in a stock room or back office. Single-use vapes should then be stored separately from stock and labelled not for sale. Once your stock has been removed from the shop floor it can be included as part of your disposable vape recycling scheme to ensure compliant disposal.
How to operate a vape recycling scheme
As vapes are electrical items they are covered by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations. They are no longer part of the Distributor Takeback Scheme which means that all retailers must offer recycling for customers, no matter how many they sell.
This means as a distributor you must offer customers the ability to return their used vapes for recycling, including single-use vapes after the ban comes into force on 1st June.
Ensure you have the correct signage signposting customers to your recycling scheme. This should detail information on collection services on offer, how you are contributing to the WEEE scheme, potential environmental and health effects of hazardous substances in EEE and an explanation of the crossed out wheely bin symbol which signifies the WEEE scheme.
Do I need to recycle illicit vapes?
As a retailer you have the right to refuse illicit vapes from your recycling collection point as under WEEE regulations they are not equivalent to compliant vapes sold in your store.
Storing used vapes
Keep used single-use vapes in a separate container away from direct sunlight, other electrical goods and in a cool dry place. It is recommended that vapes are stored for no longer than three months before you should arrange for recycling.
Arranging collection of used vapes
Once you have organised a waste collection provider they should provide you with a waste consignment notice which will provide further details on the recycling process. You can also check directly with your vape suppliers as many offer their own recycling schemes. You should also ensure that you keep record of the number of units you collect through your take-back scheme and the total collected by your waste collection provider.
David Phillips of Vape Superstore says “We know that awareness on vape recycling is low within e-cigarette users and it’s crucial that retailers familiarise themselves with the correct procedures for removing single-use vapes off the shelves and for offering recycling schemes.
The Office for Product and Safety Standards enforces vape collections and retailers could face unlimited fines if they’re found to be non-compliant. Using the next few weeks to familiarise yourself with recycling guidelines will help to offer the correct services to your customers and minimise disruption for retailers once the ban comes into effect.”
To learn more on the implications of the disposable vape ban visit the Vape Superstore website.
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