Residents in North Yorkshire are being urged to dispose of their used vapes responsibly as part of the UK’s biggest celebration of recycling.
In its 21st year, Recycle Week runs from October 14 to 20, and shines a light on the nation’s recycling habits through activities and initiatives.
In North Yorkshire, vape recycling bins have been installed at all 20 household waste recycling centres, with the aim of avoiding them ending up in kerbside bins.
Materials used in single use vapes can be harmful to the environment and need to be disposed of separately.
Once collected at the recycling centres, they are transported to the recycling facility to be dismantled and the lithium-ion battery is removed for processing while the metals and plastics are recycled.
Lithium-ion batteries can cause fires if they are discarded in kerbside recycling or waste bins. Most fires in the waste collection and recycling industry are caused by these batteries.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for waste services, Cllr Greg White, said:
“This exciting new initiative has the aim of ensuring that people who use vape devices know how to dispose of them in the right way.
“Vapes are not safe to be recycled or disposed of in kerbside bins or boxes at home. One incorrectly discarded vape could cause huge damage or serious injury.
“In August, we also introduced coffee pod bins at our recycling centres as we aim to continue expanding what we accept at our recycling centres. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to responsible recycling and reducing our carbon footprint.
“And, as always, during Recycle Week we are raising awareness of commonly missed items that can be recycled but end up in the rubbish. This includes empty aerosols, plastic cleaning product bottles, plastic toiletry bottles and food tins.”
Research released this year from Material Focus found that, in the UK, the public is buying 7.7 million single use vapes per week, which has doubled compared to 2022.
People are also throwing away five million single use vapes per week, or eight per second, which has quadrupled compared to 2022.
To find out more about North Yorkshire’s recycling centres and the new service, visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/household-waste-recycling-centres
A guide for battery and electrical recycling points, including vapes, can be found on the Recycle Your Electricals website at www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk
For more information on Recycle Week, visit www.recyclenow.org.uk/RecycleWeek
Mobile Phone Upgrades Could Cause TV Interference in Bridlington
New Tourism Plan for North Yorkshire Approved
Yorkshire Coast Schools Embrace "Restart a Heart" Day
Scarborough House to Become Five-Bed Holiday Let
New Partnership to Make East Riding of Yorkshire an Inclusive Tourism Destination
Scarborough MP Told Town Should Be at the Centre of the UK’s ‘Cultural Renaissance’
Housebuilder Donates Funds for Allotment Equipment in Whitby
Malton Woman Victoria Taylor has now been Missing for Two Weeks
Seamer Food Hall Plan Moves Forwards
Council Serves Closure Order on Bridlington Property
Yorkshire Coast Transport Challenges Raised in Parliament
More Details Released About 2024 Scarborough Lights Festival
Comments
Add a comment