Vape recycling service launches at VPZ shop in Worcester

A new recycling service has been launched in a bid to tackle litter and potential harm to the environment.

It has been set up by VPZ, the UK’s largest vaping retailer, and WasteCare.

Doug Mutter, VPZ director, said: “We believe this innovative service and intervention is vital in responding to an emerging environmental problem whilst educating vapers on the benefits of using reusable and more sustainable products.”

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The recycling service is available now at VPZ's Worcester store (Image: VPZ/Google Maps)

The recycling service is now live in all of VPZ’s stores, including the one in the Shambles, Worcester, and on Bridge Street in Evesham.

It is open to all vapers, who can pop into the shop and dispose of their vapes or e-cigarettes safely.

The recycling process itself is then handled by WasteCare, the UK’s only permitted recycler of portable batteries, who will collect the devices before treating them at their plant in Elland, West Yorkshire.

Mr Mutter hopes this service will help clean up local environments throughout the country whilst educating vapers on being responsible and using more sustainable products.

He said: “Any form of littering is unacceptable however the proliferation of disposable vape use has led to single-use devices being discarded in local environments.

“Our partnership with WasteCare responds to this challenge head-on and vapers can come into our network of over 150 stores throughout the country, including Worcester, to recycle their vape devices, both disposable and reusable, in a safe and responsible way."

Peter Hunt, managing director of Wastecare, added: “With the growing demand for vapes and e-cigarettes, we are delighted that VPZ is leading the way in providing a safe and environmentally sound way to tackle what is becoming a major challenge

"Every vape contains a lithium battery and our plant is designed to safely recover the precious material from the vaping device, as well as the metal and plastic components in it.”

VPZ is also urging the UK Government to introduce tighter controls and licensing for selling vaping products.

Mr Mutter added: “At the moment we have a challenge in the industry where many imported, unregulated, disposable vaping products are readily available from local convenience stores, supermarkets and several other general retailers with no age verification checks or control in place.

“This is an emerging problem that threatens the huge progress of vaping in transforming the health of the nation and helping the country meet its smoke-free targets.

“We are urging the UK Government to act now and follow best practices from countries like New Zealand, where flavoured products can only be sold from specialist licensed vaping stores. Thus, ensuring that an appropriate challenge 25 policy is in place and consultation is aimed towards adult smokers and vapers.”