26 Jun 2025

How to dispose single use vapes securely

The single-use vape ban is now underway and many businesses are now facing a new kind of responsibility in waste disposal.

Written by SUEZ recycling and recovery UK

The UK’s single-use vape ban officially kicked in on 01 June 2025.

That means the brightly-coloured, fruit-scented vapes we’ve seen on shop counters and online stores (not to mention littering our streets and parks) are no longer up for sale.

They haven’t exactly vanished, however. If anything, they’ve left behind a new kind of responsibility.

For many businesses, these once-common devices are now a question of what to do next. Containing lithium batteries and electrical components, disposable vapes fall under WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) rules and require proper handling.

According to the non-profit Material Focus, around 5 million single-use vapes were thrown away every week in 2024. Last year, the organisation reported 8.2 million vapes, including a new ‘variety’ which can hold up to 6,000 puffs per vape.

Responding responsibly

If your business still holds single-use vape stock, it must be removed from display immediately and stored securely. These products should be separated from other waste and handled with care. It’s worth speaking to your waste services provider to confirm how this type of e-waste should be stored and collected.

It’s a new phase for many businesses and making the right moves now can make all the difference, whether it’s for compliance or to contribute to more responsible waste handling.

The government suggests that vape-related businesses offer a take-back service, allowing customers to return used vapes for recycling. For many, this is a straightforward way to contribute to environmental responsibility while showing customers that you care.

Not sure where to start?

There’s support available and it’s easy to find. SUEZ recycling and recovery UK is already working with businesses across the country to help them stay compliant and manage vape and electrical waste with minimal fuss.

Our services are flexible and designed to support what you need, whether that’s advice, compliant containers or collections that fit around your business.

A small change that supports a bigger waste rethink

This ban complements wider reforms like Simpler Recycling, designed to standardise how we dispose of waste from food to glass. Vape waste might be small, but it’s part of a much bigger opportunity to improve how we handle and recover waste.

Helpful links for your business

• Full vape ban guidance: Gov.uk

• Vape waste stats: Material Focus and Defra

• Business advice on battery safety: Business Guide to Battery Recycling

• Support for handling WEEE: SUEZ WEEE page