Waste sector specialists are raising alarms about how rechargeable vapes are being disposed of. While the policy aimed to reduce throwaway culture, many low-cost rechargeable devices are still treated as single-use by consumers.
According to Greg Smith, Technical Manager at CSG Recovery in Blackburn explains that “Incorrect disposal is, however, even more dangerous when there is some residual power left in the battery. The fire risk comes from a process called thermal runaway, which causes battery cells to rapidly heat to extreme temperatures. The risk of thermal runaway is particularly high if a vape still has more than 50% charge."
These devices are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which should never be sent to landfill or general waste. When crushed in refuse trucks or compacted at facilities, charged batteries can ignite through a process called thermal runaway. With around 1,200 battery-related fires reported each year in the UK, waste handlers say a growing number can be traced back to vapes.
The fires aren't starting in the hands of consumers—they're sparking downstream: in bin lorries, sorting centers, and recycling sites. The result? Operational shutdowns, damaged infrastructure, rising insurance costs, and higher risk exposure across waste, retail, and logistics businesses.
The core of the issue isn’t malice—it’s a lack of clear disposal guidance. Many rechargeable vapes are still being tossed in household bins with no warning labels or consumer education at the point of sale. Experts argue that consistent messaging across packaging, retail environments, and public bins is overdue.
At facilities like CSG Recovery, handling a used vape is anything but simple. These small electronics can't be processed through standard automated systems. Instead, teams manually dismantle each unit to isolate hazardous materials and recover usable components. Batteries and circuit boards are separated for specialist treatment, nicotine residue is safely removed, and recyclable plastics are granulated for reuse. Even nicotine itself can be converted into energy.
This detailed process underscores the broader challenge of e-waste. Vapes contain valuable materials—like lithium and electronics—that are increasingly scarce. Recovering them efficiently is both an environmental necessity and a financial opportunity. But improper disposal undermines that potential and creates new hazards for the waste sector.
For companies operating in or adjacent to waste management—from retail supply chains to logistics and local councils—the message is clear: without improved education and labelling, fire risks and materials loss will continue to climb. The regulatory shift was just the first step; now the industry must adapt to ensure that disposal keeps pace with policy.
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