A significant environmental crisis looms as new, high-capacity vapes flood the market, according to recent warnings from environmental campaigners. Campaign group Material Focus highlights the growing popularity of "big puff" vapes, which deliver up to 6,000 puffs compared to traditional 600-puff devices.
Rising Waste Concerns
Material Focus reports alarming statistics about vape disposal. Users discard or incorrectly recycle approximately 8.2 million vapes weekly, translating to 13 devices every second. The situation particularly affects young adults, with the 16-34 age group showing the highest adoption rate of these devices.
Regulatory Challenges
Scott Butler, Material Focus executive director, points out that vape manufacturers actively develop creative solutions to circumvent upcoming regulations. The new devices, while offering better value for money, may bypass the single-use vape ban scheduled for June. This development suggests a need for more adaptable legislation.
Safety and Environmental Impact
The surge in vape disposal correlates with a 71% increase in battery fires within waste management systems last year. While in-store recycling has improved to 20%, a significant majority (77%) of users report insufficient information about proper recycling methods.
Government Response
Circular economy minister Mary Creagh emphasizes the environmental impact, stating that single-use vapes contribute significantly to waste. The government views the upcoming ban as an initial step toward addressing disposable culture concerns.
