Over 20 Million Vapes Unrecycled in Ireland Last Year

Ireland is facing a significant environmental challenge with the staggering number of disposable vapes ending up in landfills. New figures reveal that a staggering 20 million vapes, out of 25 million sold last year, were not returned for recycling. This alarming statistic highlights a critical gap in waste management and a lack of public awareness regarding the proper disposal of these increasingly common electronic devices.

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More than 20 million vapes sold last year in Ireland were not returned for recycling, according to new figures.

These vapes are not benign waste; they contain hazardous components, including lithium batteries, plastics, and electrical parts. When discarded improperly, they pose serious environmental risks and, crucially, a significant fire hazard, particularly during waste collection and processing. WEEE Ireland, the organization responsible for managing waste electrical and electronic equipment, has issued a stark warning against binning vapes, emphasizing the potential dangers.

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The devices contain lithium batteries, plastic and electrical parts which are not entering the recycling system in the vast majority of cases.

The low recycling rate, estimated at just 6% in the counties where WEEE operates, underscores the urgency of the situation. WEEE Ireland's chief executive, Leo Donovan, stressed that responsibility lies with every vape user to ensure correct and safe disposal. He pointed out that free recycling services are readily available across the country, with numerous drop-off points in supermarkets, newsagents, and recycling centers. These systems not only prevent environmental damage but also allow for the recovery of valuable raw materials like lithium, copper, and cobalt, which can be reused in manufacturing, thereby conserving resources and reducing reliance on new extraction.

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WEEE Ireland has also warned they pose serious environmental and fire risks as it asked the public to never bin vapes.