The UKVIA published the results of its research yesterday (11 March) which it said found that only 60% of responding authorities said they offer vape waste disposal at civic amenity sites, whilst just one in 10 have introduced vape waste containers in public places (see letsrecycle.com story).
Responding today, LARAC— the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee — said it is “profoundly disappointed” with the comments and said it has concerns about the lack of commitment from the vape industry to invest in facilities capable of handling vapes at the end of their lifecycle.
LARAC highlighted a “surge” in fires in refuse collection vehicles and treatment facilities related to the disposal of vapes and has called for safer and more responsible disposal practises.
Reality
The association’s vice chair James Ward said: “LARAC is extremely disappointed at the criticism levelled at local authorities by UKVIA. The reality is that councils are managing the impact of dealing with vapes on a regular basis.
“This is seen through the increase of fires in RCVs and at treatment facilities. LARAC would welcome any measures such as in-store take back at retailers which would encourage safer and more responsible disposal and believes the vape industry needs to invest in developing facilities to deal with vapes at end of life.”
Category
Defra in its consultation on reforms to the WEEE regulations outlined that vapes could fall under a separate category, which would place an obligation on producers to pay for the cost of recycling them.
LARAC said while it supports this, it has reservations about the potential logistical challenges and increased kerbside collections associated with collecting vapes separately.
LARAC urged the government to enforce British standard design regulations on vape manufacturers, mandating recyclability and efficient product dismantling. LARAC also proposed implementing an extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework to address the financial burden.
LARAC executive director, Carole Taylor, said: “Vapes are a difficult to recycle material and all vape producers have a legal responsibility to finance take-back of vapes for recycling, not cash-strapped councils.
“Councils are interested in the safe disposal/recycling of vapes but need funding appropriately. This is the very heart of producer responsibility. Why should public money be used to finance the collection and recycling of a product that makes huge profits for the firms that make and sell vapes?”
In pursuit of long-term solutions, LARAC endorsed the implementation of a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) levy, designed to encourage consumers to return used vapes responsibly. This would particularly target those who might not adhere to safe disposal practices without proper incentives.
“LARAC advocates for a paradigm shift in vape waste management. It’s time for the vape industry to invest, take responsibility and embrace sustainable practices, leaving behind the legacy of financial burdens on local authorities and environmental hazards.
WEEE Conference
The topic of vapes will be front and centre of the WEEE Conference, taking place on 21 March.
Click here to view the agenda and secure your ticket.
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