The UKVIA, which represents vape sellers across the country, has published details of an “investigation” it undertook, which included sending freedom of information requests to 10 major provincial city and 10 central London councils including Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff, Glasgow and Westminster.
According to the association, only 60% of responding authorities said they offer vape waste disposal at civic amenity sites (or designated collection facilities), whilst just one in 10 have introduced vape waste containers in public places. Around one third do not offer vape waste disposal containers or drop-off points of any kind.
The UKVIA also said its research found that just one of the councils has introduced kerbside or household vape collection to date and that 80% had no plans to invest in new vape collection solutions in the next 12 months – “even before news of the disposable ban”.
Advocating a ban on disposable vapes on environmental grounds while not committing any investment to vape waste collection is a case of the pot calling the kettle black
- John Dunne, UKVIA
‘Pot-kettle’
John Dunne, director general of the UKVIA, said: “Advocating a ban on disposable vapes on environmental grounds while not committing any investment to vape waste collection, despite the need for such facilities in public places – which are controlled by local government – is a case of the pot calling the kettle black.
“Even when single use vapes are no longer available in retail outlets, there will still be millions of rechargeable and refillable vapes sold every year, not to mention a rise in black market products that will arise from the ban on disposables. So, the lack of investment in collection facilities and foresight around the need make the disposal of vapes as convenient as possible is startling and extremely concerning”
The findings of the investigation have been published four days after submissions closed on the government consultation on proposals to increase WEEE collection levels, including the implementation of a separate category for vapes.
Criticism
A criticism of local authorities from vape retailers will not be well received.
Many have argued that vape producers are not meeting their obligations in contributing to the recycling of items and this is partly to blame for a rise in fires and incidents relating to the items.
The findings of the UKVIA’s investigation have been published four days after submissions closed on the government consultation on proposals to increase WEEE collection levels, including the implementation of a separate category for vapes.
The UKVIA said it acknowledges that the sector needs to demonstrate the highest levels of environmental responsibility, but argues that local authorities have a critical role to play in providing the necessary infrastructure in public places.
‘No illusion’
Mr Dunne added: “We are under no illusions as to what the industry needs to do to ensure it is environmentally responsible, which is why the sector has invested in producing more sustainable products, providing recycling education for consumers, rolling out recycling initiatives and innovations and ensuring it is compliant with regulations. The UKVIA is also involved in the development of a vape licensing scheme which has just presented to parliamentarians and, if adopted, will require retailers to provide take-back facilities in-store before being allowed to sell vapes.”
WEEE Conference
WEEE collections 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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