MORE THAN 20 million vapes sold in Ireland last year were not returned for recycling, according to new figures from Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). 

The devices contain lithium batteries, plastic and electrical parts which are not entering the recycling system in the vast majority of cases.

In the 20 counties in which WEEE operates its e-waste recycling scheme, it found that just 6% of used vapes and e-cigarettes came back for recycling.

Some 25 million vapes were sold across those counties. Of those, just 1.4 million were returned for recycling.

“An alarming 23.6 million were simply thrown away or dumped in household bins,” WEEE chief executive Leo Donovan said. 

Leo Donovan said there is a real fire risk if battery-powered products like vapes are crushed or damaged during waste collection and processing.

He said that research carried out by the waste management service also found “a concerning low awareness” of correct disposal for vapes, and that vapes are part of the free e-waste and battery take-back system.

“Responsibility sits with every vape user to dispose of these products correctly and safely after use,” he said, adding that thousands of blue battery boxes are available at supermarkets, electrical retailers and recycling centres.

“These devices contain critical raw materials such as lithium, copper and cobalt that can be recovered and reused in manufacturing, supporting the circular economy. When thrown in the bin those valuable resources are lost forever.”

Donovan added that there is also a real fire risk if battery-powered products like vapes become crushed or damaged during waste collection and processing.

WEEE has launched a ‘Never Bin Vapes’ public awareness campaign, urging consumers to recycle disposable and rechargeable vapes correctly through its free take-back network.