Ask the expert: How should you dispose of and recycle vapes in Bristol?

Disposable vape ban now in force

Khadeeja Osman, Sustainability and Engagement Lead, talks disposable vape recycling Bristol, litter and the UK ban.

The rising popularity of single use vapes in recent years has been detrimental for the environment and safety, littering our streets and causing fires. But thanks to campaigners’ hard work, a new ban on the sale of single-use, disposable vapes has just come into force in England and Wales.  

Before the ban came into force on 1st June 2025, we were throwing away 5 million single use vapes every week in the UK. That’s around 8 every second! Research shows that only 17% of those are recycled. The rest unfortunately end up in the incorrect bins or littering our streets and parks – harming the environment, wildlife and sometimes causing serious fires.   

What is the problem with throwing vapes away?   

Like lots of electrical items, vapes contain hazardous chemicals like cobalt and copper. If they end up in the wrong place, these chemicals can pollute the environment, endangering people and wildlife. As well as this, the components that make up vapes contain precious metals, which are a finite resource – it’s a total waste of precious metals to be used once and then thrown away! Disposable vape recycling ensures that the dangerous chemicals are dealt with properly and we reduce the environmental damage caused by extracting the metals.  

Every vape also contains a lithium battery, which are a huge fire risk.  

Lithium batteries can cause fires when they get crushed or damaged – whether that’s from being run over after being carelessly littered or compacted in the back of one of our trucks after ending up in the general waste bin. Once punctured, the batteries’ internal components are exposed, triggering a dangerous chemical reaction called a ‘thermal runaway’. This releases excessive heat, which can then ignite a fire. At Bristol Waste, we’ve experienced eight fires in the past year, highlighting the critical need for safe disposal. 

How do I safely dispose of my vapes?

Recycling is the best and safest way to dispose of your unwanted vapes. It ensures that the dangerous chemicals are dealt with properly and we reduce the environmental damage caused by extracting the metals.  There are lots of options for vape recycling Bristol Waste can help you with.

Where can I recycle my vapes in Bristol? 

We are great at recycling in Bristol, and that includes vapes! There are lots of options for vape recycling, Bristol Waste want everyone to safely, legally and responsibly dispose of vapes. Lots of supermarkets have drop off points, or you can put them out in your black box* or bring them to one of our Household Reuse and Recycling Centres. 

*Simply pop them in a separate container in your black recycling box. We recommend untied clear bags, but Tupperware works just as well. It’s just to ensure our crews can clearly see them and keep them separate in the recycling truck.  

The bigger picture  

We all know that moving away from disposable and single-use products is important. The best option for the planet is to reduce what you are using. The next best option is to reuse, which is where this ban comes in handy – it will make reusable options the norm for vapers. Then the next best is to recycle, meaning that the material components of your item can go on to become new things. They should NEVER be binned.  

Our top tips:  

Moving away from anything single-use is a great step for protecting our planet. When you’re at the shop counter, think: 

⏳ what will last me the longest? 
💷 what’s the best option for my money? 
🌍 what’s the best option for the planet? 
♻️ what will I do with it once I’m finished with it? 

Final thoughts:

This ban isn’t about attacking vapers. It’s a real opportunity for producers and consumers to rethink how we design, sell, use and dispose of vapes. When something is too cheap and too easy to throw away, we all pay the price – environmentally, financially, and sadly sometimes physically. 

Remember, if you have vapes that you’re finished with, dispose of them safely and legally by recycling them. Options for vape recycling Bristol are available to everyone.

NEVER chuck them in your general waste bin and NEVER litter them.