Collection, characterisation, and recycling potential of disposable vape pens in the UK

Abstract

Since 2021, there has been a notable increase in the consumption of disposable vapes among British adults. The management of disposable vape waste lags behind, due to significant challenges associated with the complexity of the devices and their components. This study explores the prospects of recycling to foster sustainable practices in handling disposable vape pens, by setting up and analysing a vape recycling Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) scheme at Brunel University London. An external waste management company was contracted to oversee the scheme, with vape recycling bins placed across the campus. To augment participation and raise awareness about the initiative, a targeted campaign was launched. Analysis of collected vape waste revealed significant variability in collection rates across different collection points, with 67.9% of vapes collected belonging to two major brands. The scheme’s challenges centred on determining the recycling route for the collected vapes, due to safety concerns associated with Li-ion batteries, the only component that is recycled, and disassembling intricacies. On the positive side, policy and regulation are evolving in response to safety and environmental impacts associated with disposable vapes, with the UK planning to impose restrictions on their sales by 2025. Nonetheless, the management of existing disposable vape stock and inevitable wastage remains a complex challenge indicating the importance of educational programs, regulatory frameworks, and recycling infrastructures to effectively eliminate these problematic items from the market and enable the transition towards a sustainable future.