Material Focus, a UK recycling initiative, has released new research stating that over 6.3 million vapes and vape pods are still being discarded in the UK every week. This figure represents a 23% decrease compared to the 8.2 million discarded in 2024.
Key Highlights
- A UK recycling initiative reports that over 6.3 million vapes and vape pods are currently being discarded in the UK every week.
- This figure marks a 23% decline from the 8.2 million discarded in 2024.
- The organization states that fires linked to vapes and lithium batteries have increased by 71% since 2022.
- Surveys reveal that 47% of vape users are unaware that vapes can be recycled.
- 57% of users indicated they would be more likely to purchase vapes from stores that provide in-store recycling drop-off points.
UK Vape Waste Remains High Despite Decline
March 27, 2026 — According to new research published by the UK recycling initiative Material Focus, over 6.3 million vapes and vape pods continue to be discarded in the UK every week.
Weekly Waste Drops Following Single-Use Vape Ban
Material Focus stated that this figure represents a 23% decrease from the 8.2 million discarded in 2024, suggesting that vape-related waste has declined since the implementation of a ban on single-use vapes in June 2025.
Environmental and Fire Risks Persist
However, the organization also noted that current levels “still mean that a vast amount of valuable materials are being wasted, and they pose a significant fire risk.”
Lithium Batteries Drive Surge in Waste Fires
Material Focus explained that vapes contain lithium-ion batteries, which can ignite if crushed or damaged inside refuse trucks or at waste and recycling centers. The organization reported that the number of such fires has increased by 71% since 2022.
Waste Companies Report Ongoing Challenges
Two major UK waste and recycling companies provided information to Material Focus; both indicated that the persistent volume of vape waste within their systems presents a significant challenge.
Daily Fires and Improper Disposal Highlight Scale of Issue
Specifically, Veolia reported that its vehicles, as well as its waste and recycling sites, currently experience approximately one fire per day. This trend has persisted for about four years, and the company believes the cause is most likely linked to lithium batteries found in vapes and other electronic products. Biffa reports that it receives over 200,000 vapes each month that have been incorrectly discarded into mixed recycling streams.
Nearly Half of Users Unaware Vapes Are Recyclable
New research conducted by Opinium and commissioned by Material Focus reveals that 47% of vape users are unaware that these devices can be recycled, while 80% of respondents stated that there is insufficient information available regarding how to recycle them.
Consumers Favor In-Store Recycling Options
The study also indicates that 49% of users would prefer to recycle their vapes at the very stores where they purchased them; furthermore, 57% of users stated that they would be more likely to purchase vapes from a store if that store provided a dedicated drop-off point for recycling.
Retailers Face Pressure to Meet Recycling Obligations
Material Focus notes that many retailers are failing to comply with environmental regulations by neglecting to establish appropriate recycling drop-off points or systems.
Calls for Accountability and New Legislation
Scott Butler, Executive Director of the organization, stated that stores that sell and profit from vapes have long been under a legal obligation to provide safe recycling drop-off points and to cover the associated costs, while vape manufacturers and importers should bear the costs of processing the recycled waste.
Butler also mentioned that a new Tobacco and Vapes Bill is currently making its way through the UK Parliament; this legislation proposes implementing a licensing scheme for vape retailers—similar to the existing regulations for the sale of tobacco and alcohol.
