“There is no right way to dispose of these as there is wiring, batteries, and fluids” says local vape shop staff
Used vape cartridges is an increasing environmental issue and is a concern in Cardiff, a councillor has said.
The use of disposable vapes has increased by nearly 45% since 2021 across the UK, and has become the most used product of e-cigarette for 18-24 year olds, according to John Waldron, a spokesperson from ASH.
With increasing use, disposing of these cartridges is damaging the environment.
“It is different to cigarettes as plastic is now involved,” said Andrea Gibson, a councillor on Cardiff’s environmental health committee.
She said when users put them in general waste, the cartridges get crushed which results in battery and chemical leaks.
“People just don’t know how to get rid of them; I found one in my garden which someone threw over the fence!”
Alex Lines, 24, an employee at a popular local vape shop, said that due to increased popularity regulations must be brought in about the environmental impact they have.
“There is no right way to dispose of these as there is wiring, batteries, and fluids. By putting them in the bin, it’s just not ethical.”
“I found one in my garden which someone threw over the fence!”
A spokesperson for the Cardiff council confirmed that vape cartridges cannot be disposed in recycling either, as the plastic cartridges may be contaminated with oils or liquids.
“You can’t put them in a general waste bin, and there is no way of recycling them; unless you break them apart to do so. But it is the number one thing that needs to change,” said Lines.
He said there are companies that have created an easier-to-recycle vape, however they are not popular in store due to less nicotine, and poor-quality flavours.
Zac Lennox, 21, a vape user, said that he doesn’t trust disposable vapes due to their wasteful nature.
“I started vaping to stop smoking, but in the space of three years the game has changed. On a night out they’re everywhere.”