Vapes could 'explode' if not thrown away properly

"We are throwing away enough disposable vapes to cover 22 football pitches each year."

There's a warning from the less waste partnership as disposing of vapes incorrectly could be a safety hazard. 

Disposable vapes contain lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are rechargeable, yet in disposable vapes, they are being utilised for single use. 

Less Waste, which is made up of the borough council's in Leicestershire, said: "When batteries are not disposed of correctly and end up in a kerbside recycling bin or general waste bin, they can explode when damaged during collection or treatment."

It is estimated that at least 1.3 million disposable vapes are thrown away weekly in the UK. 

Less Waste, said: If you are able to remove the battery easily, please do so and recycle the battery at your local supermarket or Recycling and Household Waste Site. If you are unable to do this, check with your local District Council to see if there is a separate small electricals kerbside collection. If this is not the case in your local area, recycle the unit in the small electricals bin at your local Recycling and Household Waste Site. We suggest collecting them in a bag or container at home for when you next visit your Recycling and Household Waste Site."

For more information about recycling disposable vapes Recycle Your Electricals page.