Vape sellers and online retailers will be required to cover the cost of recycling their products under new government plans aimed at tackling the UK’s growing electronic waste problem.
The reforms, announced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), will introduce a “polluter pays” model in which producers and sellers of electronic goods fund the collection and processing of their waste. The move comes amid rising concerns over the environmental impact of disposable vapes, which contain valuable materials such as lithium and copper.
A new dedicated category for disposable vapes will be created under the regulations, meaning sellers must register with the Environment Agency, report sales data, and contribute to recycling costs.
Defra said the changes will help end the UK’s “throwaway culture” by placing responsibility for waste on those who profit from selling the products, rather than leaving taxpayers and local authorities to bear the burden.
A spokesperson for Defra said: “Disposable vapes are not only harmful to our environment, but they also waste valuable resources that could be recovered and reused. These reforms make sure those who place them on the market take responsibility for their environmental impact.”
Environmental groups have welcomed the move as a step towards a more circular economy. The policy is also expected to encourage retailers to shift towards reusable products, reducing waste in the long term.
The new rules form part of a wider government strategy to increase recycling rates, cut landfill use, and ensure manufacturers and retailers play a greater role in managing the lifecycle of their products.
