LARAC is profoundly disappointed by recent criticism from the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) regarding local authorities' management of vape waste. Despite the commendable efforts of various councils, which have introduced dedicated vape collection points across Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) networks and/or various community locations in collaboration with producer compliance schemes, LARAC is concerned about the lack of commitment from the vape industry to invest in facilities capable of handling vapes at the end of their lifecycle. The recent surge in fires in Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCVs) and treatment facilities related to vape disposal has prompted LARAC to call for safer and more responsible disposal practices.
LARAC underscores the current imbalance in the financial and operational burden, with local authorities shouldering most of the responsibility for handling waste vapes. This contradicts the fundamental 'polluter pays' principle and the concept of Producer Responsibility. LARAC calls for producers to bear the total net costs of collecting and recycling disposable vapes.
LARAC Vice Chair James Ward:
“LARAC is extremely disappointed at the criticism levelled at local authorities by UKVIA. The reality is that councils are managing the impact of dealing with vapes on a regular basis. This is seen through the increase of fires in RCVs and at treatment facilities. LARAC would welcome any measures such as in-store take back at retailers which would encourage safer and more responsible disposal and believes the vape industry needs to invest in developing facilities to deal with vapes at end of life.”
While supporting the idea of a separate category for vapes under WEEE regs, LARAC has reservations about the potential logistical challenges and increased kerbside collections associated with collecting vapes separately. LARAC urges the government to enforce British standard design regulations on vape manufacturers, mandating recyclability, and efficient product dismantling. LARAC proposes implementing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework to address the financial burden, shifting the onus onto retailers and manufacturers to foster a circular economy.
LARAC Executive Director Carole Taylor:
“Vapes are a difficult to recycle material and all vape producers have a legal responsibility to finance take-back of vapes for recycling, not cash-strapped councils. Councils are interested in the safe disposal/recycling of vapes but need funding appropriately. This is the very heart of producer responsibility. Why should public money be used to finance the collection and recycling of a product that makes huge profits for the firms that make and sell vapes?”
In pursuit of long-term solutions, LARAC endorses the implementation of a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) levy, designed to encourage consumers to return used vapes responsibly. This would particularly target those who might not adhere to safe disposal practices without proper incentives.
LARAC advocates for a paradigm shift in vape waste management. It's time for the vape industry to invest, take responsibility, and embrace sustainable practices, leaving behind the legacy of financial burdens on local authorities and environmental hazards.
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For further information please contact Toni McNamara LARAC Policy and Communications Lead admin@larac.org.uk X (Twitter): @LARACspeaks LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/larac/
