Vapes still causing rubbish fires despite disposable ban, major waste firm says
A major UK waste firm reports that discarded vapes continue to cause daily fires in trucks and facilities six months after the disposable vape ban.Summary
Suez, a major UK waste management firm, has warned that wrongly discarded vapes are still causing significant problems, reporting 339 fires this year—more than one per day—at its facilities and in waste trucks. These fires are attributed to the lithium batteries in vapes being crushed or damaged in the waste stream, posing dangers to workers and causing millions in damage. Six months after the ban on disposable vapes took effect on June 1st, Suez notes that vapes remain a common sight in general waste and recycling bins. While the ban was a good first step, the firm suggests it was only a 'sticking-plaster solution.' The issue is compounded by reusable vapes being treated as disposable, and the continued illegal sale of single-use devices. The Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA) noted that sales of single-use vapes have halved, but stressed the need for greater consumer education on responsible recycling for both pre-ban single-use and end-of-life refillable devices. Suez is calling for a more ambitious, producer-funded nationwide recycling scheme to tackle the ongoing fire risk and environmental damage.
(Source：BBC)
