Bedford Borough Council is backing a new national campaign to remind residents how to use vapes safely and dispose of them properly.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) “Safe vape usage and disposal” campaign aims to reduce the risk of battery fires, injuries and environmental harm caused by the way vapes are used, stored and thrown away. Vapes contain batteries, metals, plastics and other useful materials that should be recovered through recycling rather than placed in general waste or household recycling.
Residents are reminded that all vapes contain lithium batteries and electrical components which can cause fires if they are damaged, crushed or disposed of incorrectly. Vapes should be stored in a cool, dry place away from children, pets and heat sources until they can be taken for recycling.
Used vapes can be returned to supermarkets, vape shops and other retailers with a vape or battery recycling bin. Retailers who sell vapes are required to offer a take-back service, and guidance from the Association of Convenience Stores explains how shops can set up bins, store used vapes safely and arrange collections so they can be recycled. Many larger stores also provide dedicated battery and vape recycling bins. Vapes can also be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Centre on Barkers Lane, Bedford.
Councillor Nicky Gribble, Portfolio Holder for Environment at Bedford Borough Council, said, “Vapes should never be thrown in normal household bins because they contain batteries and electrical components that can cause serious fires in bin lorries, at waste sites and even in our homes. By using the recycling bins provided at supermarkets, vape shops, recycling centres and other electricals drop-off points, residents can help keep our communities safe, recover useful materials and protect the environment at the same time.”
Anyone who believes a vape retailer is not providing the required take-back service or is not handling used devices safely can contact the Office for Product Safety and Standards by emailing OPSS.enquiries@beis.gov.uk or calling 0121 345 1201, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Residents and businesses in Bedford Borough can also raise concerns with the Council’s Trading Standards team via the Citizens Advice consumer service at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/. Further information, posters and social media materials about safe vape use and disposal are available on GOV.UK, from ACS and at www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk