Why incorrect vape disposal is a hazard

Introduction: Every night could be Bonfire Night:

Incorrect vape disposal: as fireworks light up the sky this 5th November, there's another explosive risk that demands our attention. It’s one that's hiding in plain sight across retail counters, household bins and waste collection vehicles throughout the UK.

Just as we wouldn't dream of tossing a lit firework into a rubbish bin, vapes containing lithium-ion batteries pose a similarly dangerous threat when disposed of incorrectly. Yet every week, millions of these devices end up exactly where they shouldn't be, creating fire hazards that are putting waste workers, facilities and communities at risk.

For retailers, the message is clear: it's time to double down on promoting correct vape disposal to customers and implementing robust vape takeback schemes that protect both people and the environment.

Battery fires: The hidden danger in your waste stream

The parallel between fireworks and battery fires is more than just a seasonal analogy. Both contain components that, when mishandled, can ignite with devastating consequences.

Inside every vape device sits a lithium-ion battery, the same technology that powers our phones and laptops. When these batteries are crushed, damaged or exposed to heat in waste collection vehicles or processing facilities, they can spark, overheat and cause serious fires.

Recent incidents have demonstrated the real-world consequences. Waste contractors across the country report fires in collection vehicles and processing facilities caused by lithium batteries, with one battery fire in Reading resulting in £20,000 worth of damage[1]. Local councils have issued urgent warnings, emphasising it is absolutely critical that vapes are disposed of through safe routes only.

The problem of battery fires hasn't disappeared with the single-use vape ban that came into effect on 1 June. Rechargeable vapes often look identical to their disposable predecessors, and many consumers haven't changed their disposal behaviours.

Your legal obligations as a vape retailer

From June 2025 there was a ban on the sale of single use vapes[2], but many are still in circulation. People wishing to get rid of disposable vapes can still return them to a vape retailer. Shops selling reusable vapes are required to offer a takeback service where they accept vapes and vape parts that customers return for recycling, including single-use vapes purchased before the ban came into force.

Under the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations, all vape retailers have a legal obligation to provide collection facilities for customers returning used vapes when purchasing new ones. This isn't optional - it's a regulatory requirement that's now under increased scrutiny.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), local authority Trading Standards teams and DEFRA are ramping up their oversight of vape takeback compliance. Businesses that fail to meet their obligations face serious consequences including fines, investigations, sales restrictions, compliance notices and even criminal prosecution. Company directors can face personal liability for non-compliance.

The regulatory landscape is tightening, and the time for action is now. But compliance shouldn't be viewed merely as a burden; it's an opportunity to build customer trust, demonstrate environmental leadership and future-proof your business.

Why corner shops and independent retailers matter most

While large supermarkets and specialist vape shops often have established e-cigarette takeback infrastructure, there's a critical gap in smaller retail environments. Corner shops, independent newsagents and small convenience stores serve millions of customers daily, yet many still lack proper vape recycling facilities.

This gap matters because these retailers are often the most accessible points of purchase for vape users. They're embedded in local communities, open long hours and serve customers who may not visit larger retail parks or shopping centres regularly.

For these businesses, implementing a vape takeback scheme is important for strengthening community relationships and demonstrating local responsibility. When customers see their local shop taking environmental concerns seriously, it builds genuine loyalty that larger chains struggle to replicate.

Building a best-in-class vape takeback scheme

Creating an effective e-cigarette recycling programme doesn't need to be complicated or disruptive to your operations. The key is partnering with established expertise and integrating collection seamlessly into your existing customer journey.

Physical infrastructure

Start with the right collection equipment. Purpose-designed containers range from countertop tubes for smaller retailers to fire-resistant drums for higher-volume locations. These bins are specifically engineered to safely store vapes until collection.

Position your collection point in a high-traffic area where customers can't miss it. Visibility is vital. The recycling bin should be as prominent as your till or product displays, with clear signage that explains both what to do and why it matters.

Staff training and engagement

Your team is the frontline of your vape takeback scheme. When staff understand the environmental impact of improper disposal and feel confident explaining the recycling process, customer behaviour changes naturally.

Provide training materials that cover the basics: why vapes can't go in general waste, the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, and how your take back scheme works. Equip your team with simple talking points they can use during customer interactions.

When a customer purchases a new vape, give a brief mention of your recycling service:  "Don't forget, you can bring your old vape back here for safe recycling." This plants the seed for future participation.

Seamless logistics

Partner with a compliance company[3] that handles the operational complexity for you. ERP UK's vape takeback service provides compliant containers, regular collections (typically within 14 days of booking online) and specialist recycling facility processing. You focus on serving customers; the compliance partner handles everything else.

This approach makes commercial sense. Rather than navigating the regulatory requirements, documentation and logistics yourself, you leverage established infrastructure and expertise. It's the difference between trying to organise your own firework display versus hiring professionals who know exactly what they're doing.

1. Turning compliance into competitive advantage - The most successful retailers don't view vape recycling as a regulatory box-ticking exercise. They position it as a marketing asset that differentiates them from competitors.
2. Build customer trust - Today's consumers increasingly expect businesses to demonstrate environmental responsibility. A visible, well-promoted vape takeback scheme signals that you share their values. It's particularly powerful for independent retailers competing against larger chains or online sellers. It shows you're invested in the local community and its future.
3. Future-proof your business -Regulatory requirements around producer responsibility and circular economy principles will only intensify. Retailers who establish robust takeback infrastructure now are positioning themselves ahead of future compliance demands. You're not scrambling to catch up when new regulations arrive, you're already leading.
4. Help recover valuable materials Proper vape recycling enables the recovery of lithium, cobalt, copper and other valuable materials. When collected correctly, these components can be processed through specialist facilities and returned to the supply chain. So, you can be sure of preventing fires, as well as contributing to a circular economy that reduces the need for virgin material extraction.
5. Making safe disposal automatic The ultimate goal is making vape recycling as automatic as recycling plastic bottles or returning shopping trolleys. This requires consistent messaging across multiple touchpoints.
6. Point-of-sale materials Use shelf talkers, counter cards and till-point reminders to keep recycling top of mind. The message should be simple: "Bring your old vape back for safe recycling when you buy your next one."

Social media and community engagement

Share your takeback scheme on social media platforms. Post photos of your collection point, explain why proper disposal matters, and celebrate milestones (e.g., "We've safely recycled 500 vapes this month - thank you for doing your part!").

Local community groups, neighbourhood apps and in-store events provide additional channels for spreading awareness. The more touchpoints you create, the more normal and expected vape recycling becomes.

Vape disposal packaging and product information

If you sell own-brand or private-label vapes, include recycling information on the packaging itself. A simple reminder: "This device contains a lithium-ion battery. Return to any vape retailer for safe recycling". It effectively reinforces the message at the point of use.

The Bonfire Night lesson

This 5th November, as we enjoy fireworks safely and responsibly, let's apply the same principle to vape disposal. We wouldn't throw fireworks in the bin because we understand the risk. The same logic applies to vapes containing lithium-ion batteries.

Take action today

ERP UK provides best-in-class vape and e-cigarette takeback services designed specifically for retailers of all sizes. From compliant collection containers to seamless logistics and specialist recycling, we handle the complexity so you can focus on serving customers.

Related services

WEEE Compliance: Our WEEE compliance scheme simplifies environmental compliance for companies making or importing electrical and electronic equipment. Our solution takes care of all your legal obligations from registration and reporting to collection and recycling.

Visit our WEEE Compliance webpage for further details

Takeback services: Our takeback solutions ensure compliance with the relevant producer regulations. We help define your responsibilities and provide an easy-to-manage approach for our members and private consumers.

Visit our Takeback services webpage for further details

About ERP UK

To learn more about ERP UK and our services please visit our About page

Contact us today:

Telephone: +44 (0)20 3142 6452

E-mail: uk@erp-recycling.org

Follow ERP UK on LinkedIn here: