Overview
- Bin crews have warned they will not empty general waste bins if they spot vapes inside because damaged lithium‑ion batteries can short or ignite when crushed in refuse lorries or at waste sites.
- The UK ban on the sale and supply of single‑use disposable vapes, which took effect on June 1, 2026, has increased public attention on how to dispose of existing devices safely.
- Households are advised not to put disposable or broken rechargeable vapes in ordinary rubbish or recycling and instead return them to supermarkets or specialist vape shops that must accept them for recycling.
- Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) are an alternative disposal route but acceptance and facilities vary by council, so residents should check with their local authority first.
- Missed collections can still be caused by other routine issues such as overfilled bins, unsafe lifting or vehicle faults, but crews say the fire risk from vapes is now a distinct and enforceable reason to leave a bin uncollected.