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Mon, 01 Jun 2026

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 Put a £5 deposit on vapes to stop littering, say waste companies

The industry body for waste companies says a refundable deposit would help boost vape recycling, but others disagree.
Waste management companies are calling for a deposit scheme on vapes, with a suggested charge of up to £5 per vape. This is an attempt to encourage people to dispose of their used vapes properly, as the number of discarded vapes remains high despite the ban on disposable vapes introduced last year. The proposal suggests that customers would pay a small refundable deposit when purchasing a vape, and would be refunded when they responsibly dispose of it. However, some vape companies oppose this idea, arguing that it could drive consumers to buy from illicit retailers who don't charge deposits. Industry experts say that the existing infrastructure for recycling vapes is underperforming due to lack of incentives, and that a deposit scheme would need to be substantial enough to motivate people to recycle their used vapes. A number of vape companies have already introduced reusable vapes with features such as USB ports and refillable tanks, but these are not being effectively regulated. Some argue that the problem is more complex than just introducing a deposit scheme, pointing out that many retailers are not complying with existing regulations on vaping products. There are also concerns about the safety of consumers who may be encouraged to buy from illicit retailers.