UK Faces Growing Vape Waste Crisis as Sales of 'Big Puff' Vapes Surge

New research highlights environmental challenges posed by millions of disposable vapes discarded weekly, as upcoming regulations aim to curb waste.

An estimated 8.2 million vapes, including 'big puff' models, are discarded or improperly recycled each week in the UK, equivalent to 13 per second.
The popularity of 'big puff' vapes, which offer up to 6,000 puffs and cost less per puff, has surged, with three million sold weekly, particularly among younger users.
Lithium-ion batteries in vapes are contributing to a 71% rise in waste-related fires in the past year, while valuable materials like lithium and copper remain unrecovered.
Recycling efforts have improved slightly, with 20% of users returning vapes for recycling compared to 8% last year, but 77% report insufficient information on proper disposal methods.
A ban on single-use vapes, set to take effect in June 2025, aims to address waste concerns, though campaigners warn of loopholes with new product designs and call for stricter regulations.