The Hidden Dangers of Vapes and Batteries in Recycling Bins

From 1st June 2025, the UK will officially ban the sale of single-use vapes—a move aimed at tackling environmental waste and protecting public health. While this is a welcome step forward, many of these devices will still be in circulation for months to come, and improper disposal remains a serious issue. What many people don’t realise is that discarded vapes and their lithium batteries can spark fires in recycling lorries and waste processing sites—posing a major threat to workers, infrastructure, and local communities. And it’s not just single-use vapes; pod-based and high-capacity big puff devices are also on the rise and carry the same fire risk when thrown away incorrectly.

A Growing Fire Hazard

Across the UK, fire services and recycling operators are reporting a surge in fires caused by incorrectly disposed vapes and lithium-ion batteries. There has been over 1,200 in the last year, an increase of 71% from 700 in 2022. From kerbside collection vehicles to waste processing centres, these items are sparking dangerous and costly blazes.

The culprit? Lithium-ion batteries. Found inside disposable vapes and many rechargeable e-cigarette devices, these batteries can ignite if punctured, crushed or exposed to heat—common occurrences during the waste handling process. When tossed into general rubbish or mixed recycling, they’re a ticking time bomb.

Real-World Consequences

• Recycling vehicle fires: Collection vehicles have had to dump loads in emergency lay-bys after smoke started billowing from compacted waste. A single vape pen can be enough to set an entire load alight. This happened in a Coastal Recycling collection vehicle in February 2025 putting our driver and the emergency services at risk.
• Facility shutdowns: Waste sorting facilities have suffered severe damage and even full evacuations due to unexpected fires sparked by rogue batteries.
• Financial strain: Fires cause millions in damage annually and disrupt the UK’s recycling systems, diverting funds from community services to emergency clean-ups and repair.

Why Does This Happen?

Most people simply don’t know that vapes and batteries require special disposal. However, like so much of the contamination in recycling it’s often down to apathy, lack of effort or lack of the correct recycling infrastructure. Disposable vapes, in particular, seem innocuous, so they’re often thrown away with household rubbish. But because of their internal batteries—often non-removable—they pose a serious risk when handled by crushing, baling or sorting equipment.

What Should You Do Instead?

1. Never bin them! Do not dispose of vapes or batteries in your general waste, recycling bins, skips or ROROs.
2. Use dedicated drop-off points. Many local councils offer battery recycling at household waste recycling centres, supermarkets or designated collection points. If you’re a Coastal Recycling customer, please contact us and we can put you in contact with our battery recycling partner who can provide you with a suitable container and collection options.
3. Ask your vape retailer. Some vape shops offer take-back schemes for used devices.
4. Support reusables. This will be the only option after 1^st June 2025 but consider switching to devices with replaceable batteries, which are often more sustainable and easier to recycle.

Small Items, Big Impact

While they might seem insignificant, vapes and batteries have an outsized impact when mismanaged. By taking a few extra steps to dispose of them properly, you can help protect our recycling operatives, drivers, reduce environmental harm, and prevent dangerous fires in our community.

Let’s keep our recycling clean and our communities safe. Spread the word—don’t bin your vape.