How to safely dispose or recycle your vapes, after electronic cigarettes cause lorry fire in Wales

Firefighters have said a fire in Wales was sparked by vapes inside a lorry carrying recycling waste.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) crews got into the back of the vehicle to extinguish it before emptying the 30 tonnes of rubbish onto the road to damp it down.

They used three hose reel jets, one thermal imaging camera, and small gear to remove the waste and extinguish the fire.

The incident took place in Newtown Bypass, Powys, on Friday, June 7.

"This fire is believed to have been caused by disposable vapes which had not been correctly disposed of,” the fire service said.

"Several disposable vapes were found within the lorry’s contents, which seemed to have been crushed and damaged, which would have sparked and ignited the rest of the rubbish within the lorry."

Vapes, or electronic cigarettes, are battery-powered devices designed to deliver nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals to the user in the form of vapour instead of smoke.

National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and Recycle Your Electricals research found battery fires in bin lorries and at UK waste sites have increased by 71 per cent from 700 in 2022 to more than 1,200 in the last year.

The MAWWFRS said: "With an increase in the number of portable electrical items containing lithium-ion batteries, there comes a significant fire risk if they are binned instead of being recycled.

"Lithium-ion batteries are hidden inside many everyday household electricals, from laptops, mobile phones and tablets to electric toothbrushes, vapes and earpods.

"These batteries can become crushed or damaged in bin lorries or waste sites if they aren’t recycled and can lead to a fire.

"Not only do battery fires endanger lives, but they can also cause serious environmental and health risks."

The Government said it would introduce a new tax on vaping products in October 2026 to make them less attractive to young people.

So how can you safely dispose of your vapes? Here’s what you need to know.

How to safely dispose of your vapes

Here's a tailored guide for safely disposing of vapes in the UK:

1. Check local regulations

• Research: Look up your local council's website for specific guidelines on disposing of electronic waste (e-waste) and hazardous materials. Regulations and services can vary between councils.

2. Remove batteries

• Safety first: Ensure the vape is turned off before removing the battery.

• Detach battery: Carefully remove the battery if it is detachable. This should be done to avoid any risk of short-circuiting or leaks.

3. Dispose of batteries properly

• Battery recycling points: Use battery recycling points found at supermarkets, DIY stores, and household waste recycling centres.

• Local council services: Many councils offer battery recycling as part of their waste services. Check your local council’s website for details.

4. Empty e-liquid residue

• Drain the tank: Safely empty any remaining e-liquid into a sealed container to prevent spills.

• Hazardous waste collection: Check if your council has a hazardous waste collection service for substances like e-liquids.

5. Recycle or dispose of the vape device

• Household waste recycling centres: Take the vape device to your nearest household waste recycling centre (HWRC). They have designated bins for small electrical items.

• Manufacturer take-back programmes: Some vape manufacturers and retailers offer take-back schemes. These include the UK’s “Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations” scheme. Check with the shop where you purchased your vape.

6. Proper packaging

• Seal in a bag: Place the separated components in a sealable plastic bag to prevent leaks or contamination during transport.

• Label: Label the bag if necessary, according to local disposal requirements.

7. Follow specific disposal instructions for disposable vapes

• Remove pods and cartridges: Dispose of any removable pods or cartridges according to local guidelines.

• Single-use vapes: Treat single-use vapes as hazardous e-waste due to the built-in batteries and nicotine residue.

8. Avoid regular rubbish bins

• Do not use household bins: Never dispose of vapes in regular household bins, as they contain hazardous materials that are harmful to the environment.

Visit the Recycle Now website for more information on recycling electronic devices and finding local recycling points.