Vape Ban Fails to Stem Tide of Waste, Says Biffa Boss
A leading waste management firm has sounded the alarm on the failure of the UK's ban on disposable vapes to reduce waste. Roger Wright, strategy and packaging manager at Biffa, claims that the June ban has led to a surge in incorrectly disposed-of devices.
Timeline of Events
April and May saw an average of 200,000 vapes incorrectly mixed with general recycling at Biffa's facilities in Suffolk, Teesside, and London.
Since the ban in June, the average figure has risen by just three devices per month to around 203,000.
Immediate Impact and Response
The rise in vape waste is causing problems for the industry, with Mr. Wright stating that vapes are "causing more fires than ever before." The company's facilities have seen a significant increase in the number of devices being thrown away, rather than recycled or reused.
Background Context
The ban on disposable vapes was introduced to reduce litter and waste. However, vape firms have responded by launching cheap reusable devices, which are being discarded instead of refilled and recycled.
What Happens Next
Industry insiders predict that the rest of the waste management sector will be seeing a similar picture, with millions of vapes still being incorrectly disposed-of each month. The UK government has been urged to review its policies on vape waste and consider introducing further measures to reduce litter and protect the environment.
A spokesperson for the vape industry disputed Biffa's claims, attributing the rise in waste to black market trade rather than a failure of the ban itself. However, Mr. Wright remains adamant that the current policy is not working as intended.
*This story is developing. Information compiled from Bbc reporting.*
