Latest news with #GrahamMatthews
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Why you should never bin disposable vapes and how it could cost you £600
The selling of disposable vapes is to be completely banned both in store and online in the UK from June 1. In a bid to protect the environment and deter young people and kids from vaping, the colourful throwaway nicotine sticks are to be stripped from the shelves. The unsafe disposing of vape products is linked to more than 11 fires per week, and harmful chemicals inside the devices are polluting the country's rivers and streams. According to research, only 17 per cent of people dispose of their vapes correctly. While the new ban is designed to deter vape use, reports suggest that many people are either stockpiling disposable vapes or switching to reusable models, meaning the problems associated with binning old vapes is likely to persist in some manner at least. With this in mind, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEE) experts at are warning the public about the dangers of binning old vapes, which they say could even result in a £600 fine if you're not careful. Graham Matthews of said: 'The ban on disposable vapes is certainly a step in the right direction. However, it's concerning to see it hasn't had the desired effect with many people simply stockpiling or switching to reusable models. "While a reusable vape is still the preferred option, the lack of education surrounding correct disposal means we're likely to see vape-related bin and waste fires continue." So, why shouldn't you bin vapes, and how can you safely dispose of them? Here's what the experts had to say. Why shouldn't you bin vapes? Many people mistakenly believe that vapes can be tossed into their regular bin at home, but they're actually classed as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), which has strict rules for disposal. When vapes are disposed of in household bins, this can lead to fires in bin lorries and at waste management sites, which puts workers and the public at risk. Vapes contain lithium-ion batteries that can overheat and ignite when damaged or crushed. If vapes enter bin lorries or waste management facilities, they're at risk of catching fire. Data shows that vape-related fires are on the rise in the UK, with a huge surge of 348 per cent between 2020 and 2025. Any vapes that end up in landfill can also leach battery acid, nicotine, and chemicals from the plastic into the environment, causing further damage. Can you be fined for putting a vape in household waste? WEEE waste is classed as hazardous or controlled waste that must be disposed of separately from usual waste to prevent environmental harm. And you can be fined up to £600 if you breach your household waste duty of care. It could also void your home insurance if vapes in your household bin cause a fire, as this could be classed as negligence, explained the WEEE experts. How to waste disposable vapes correctly The safest and easiest way to waste a disposable vape is to put it in a dedicated vape disposal bin, which can be found in many shops and supermarkets, or return it to a retailer. Many electrical and electronic shops accept used disposable vapes and will ensure they're recycled. If you can easily remove the battery, then you could separate it and take it to a local battery recycling point which can also be found in many shops and supermarkets. However, the way disposable vapes are made means it's difficult to separate the battery and materials in many single-use vapes, and disposing of them through the proper channels is advised.
Glasgow Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Brits face £600 bin fine ahead of upcoming law change
After the ban, experts are warning the public about the dangers of disposing of old vapes. The ban is designed to deter vape use, but reports show that many people are either stockpiling disposable vapes or switching to reusable models, meaning the problem of binning old vapes is likely to persist. WEEE waste experts at say it doesn't appear that the ban is effectively deterring people from vaping completely. Only 17% of people dispose of their vapes correctly. From 1 June 2025, it will be illegal for businesses to sell or supply all single-use vapes. The ban includes all 'disposable' vapes which are not refillable and use a battery which cannot be recharged. This applies to sales online and in shops. Visit — Monmouthshire / Sir Fynwy (@MonmouthshireCC) May 17, 2025 Many people mistakenly believe that vapes can be tossed into their regular bin at home. However, they're actually classed as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), which has strict rules for disposal. When vapes are disposed of in household bins, this can lead to fires in bin trucks and at waste management sites, posing a huge risk to workers and the public. Vapes contain lithium-ion batteries that can overheat and ignite when damaged or crushed. If vapes enter bin lorries or waste management facilities, this is a common occurrence as waste is compressed. WEEE waste is classed as hazardous or controlled waste that must be disposed of separately to prevent environmental harm. Therefore, you can be fined up to £600 if you breach your household waste duty of care. Recommended reading: Graham Matthews, WEEE expert at said: 'The ban on disposable vapes is certainly a step in the right direction. However, it's concerning to see it hasn't had the desired effect with many people simply stockpiling or switching to reusable models. "While a reusable vape is still the preferred option, the lack of education surrounding correct disposal means we're likely to see vape-related bin and waste fires continue. 'Vaping is a habit that many will find hard to quit, or are reluctant to attempt, so a better alternative is to focus on educating the public about the risk of improper disposal. With vapes technically classed as WEEE, we would encourage councils to crack down on people placing these in general waste and step up the issuing of fines as a deterrent.'
The Sun
18-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
The 65p hack that stops your bin from smelling bad – it keeps pests out the garden, too
THERE'S nothing more off-putting in the summer than the smell of bins when you want to sit in your garden. Not only is it hard to ignore, but the smell can linger for days, especially in the sunshine and warm weather. 4 4 And with at least four huge outdoor bins at most homes, sometimes there's not a lot of space where you can put them to get them out of the way. Luckily, experts have shared their fool-proof top tips to stop your outdoor bins from smelling this summer. And one handy trick only costs 65p - and you might even already have it in your kitchen cupboard. Graham Matthews, waste management expert at says homeowners should keep on top of their rubbish every few months. Not only can this get rid of smells, but it also keeps pests and insects away. He said: "Keeping your wheelie bin clean reduces bad smells, germs, and stops pests. "While it might not be the most glamorous job, spending time cleaning your bins every couple of months is a great way to stop insects like flies and maggots from taking over. 'There are some simple storage and disposal hacks that will prevent smells and pests at the source. "Correct food waste disposal helps keep your bin clean. "And it also means you'll be doing your bit for the environment.' We've decked out our house for FREE using brand new furniture we found in bins 1. Add bicarbonate of soda to the bottom of your bin Bicarbonate of soda can be picked up for as little as 65p in supermarkets including Tesco. And it can be a lifesaver for getting rid of unwanted smells, which in turn stops pests from being attracted to your garden. Graham suggests sprinkling some at the bottom of the bin as it can help get rid of 'bin juice'. He explains: "Doing this helps neutralise many bad smells. "Bad bin odours are often caused by acidic substances released as food waste breaks down. "Bicarbonate of soda is an alkali, which helps counteract this, creating a chemical reaction that neutralises the odour. "Bicarbonate of soda can also absorb 'bin juice' and other moisture that creates a less hospitable environment for bacteria that may contribute to bad smells." 2. Store it in a cool, dry place As mentioned before, you might not have a lot of options for places to store your bins, especially if your garden is on the smaller side. But trying to put it somewhere that's cool, dry or shaded can make a big difference when it comes to the smell. Graham advises: "Moving your wheelie bin out of direct sunlight when you can will slow down the decomposition of waste, which reduces the chance of bad odours developing. "A bin store can be a great solution. "If this isn't an option, look for a shaded spot on your property, preferably under shelter or in a garage." 4 3. Always keep the lid closed This may seem like an obvious one, but the experts say it can be an easy mistake than many homeowners make. Graham has urged everyone to make sure they shut the lids after putting something inside their bin. He warned: "If your bin lid remains open for long periods of time, it can contribute to bad smells. "Keeping the lid closed reduces the amount of oxygen reaching your waste, which will slow down the aerobic bacteria responsible for breaking down waste and producing strong smells. "Alongside this, keeping the lid closed prevents pests like insects and rats from getting inside. "These can contribute to bad smells by laying eggs and disturbing your waste." Expert's tips for giving your bin a good, deep scrub While most of the time we can use washing-up liquid to clean our bins, sometimes it's just not enough. So Graham has shared his top pieces of advice on how to properly clean your bin if it's been left untouched during the cold, winter months. Base – "Scrape out any thick bits of grime, dirt, or rubbish stuck to the sides or bottom of the bin with a trowel or shovel. Lie the wheelie bin on its side and use a hose or pressure washer to blast away the dirt, pouring it out into a drain. Put the bin upright and add the antibacterial spray, bleach, or eco-friendly alternative and swill it around the bottom. Leave to destroy the germs, then pour it out and rinse with clean water." Sides – "As you spray water into the base, make sure you get the sides as well to remove any bits of dirt. Cover the four sides with the antibacterial spray too and leave for as long as necessary to kill any germs. Scrub the sides clean with a mop or hard brush before pouring out the cleaning solution in the base. After the bin is emptied of all liquids, leave it to dry, either on its side or upside down (you can also use a towel to speed up the process)." Lid – "After washing the sides and base inside the bin, move onto the lid. Simply wipe the underside clean with a cloth and warm water, then apply the antibacterial spray and leave for a few minutes. Rinse it off with a sponge or cloth and some fresh water and leave it to dry." He adds: "Antibacterial or bleach sprays are necessary to destroy germs, but there are eco-conscious options to stay green when you clean. A homemade recipe of water, white vinegar, and lemon juice works just as well." 4. Dispose of food waste correctly We're all guilty of just chucking our food waste in outdoor bins - especially in the summer when you're having a BBQ. But Graham says that doing this can not only cause the bin to smell, but it can also attract pests like rats and foxes. The expert said: "Ideally, waste food should be composted or put in a separate food waste bin. "If that's not possible, make sure all food scraps are sealed in biodegradable bags or wrapped tightly before being placed in the bin. "Keep food waste in a smaller, sealed container when you can and only transfer it to the larger bin closer to collection day." 5. Clean your bin regularly and effectively It's not a pleasant job, but it's the easiest way to keep it clean and get rid of smells. And Graham says all you need is some washing-up liquid for the job. He explained: "You should keep on top of cleaning your bin regularly. "A bucket of warm water, a cloth, and some washing-up liquid should do the job." 4
Daily Record
28-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
This 35p 'science-driven' hack will stop your fruit and vegetables going off
It's estimated that UK households throw out £250 worth of food per person each year. Not only is this an unnecessary cost for shoppers who are already struggling amidst the cost of living crisis, experts believe it's also a huge contributor to global warming. Ahead of Stop Food Waste Day on April 30, professionals at have told how a 35p common household product could extend the life of your fruit and vegetables. Washing your fruit and vegetables in a white vinegar mix can reportedly extend their shelf life and save you money along the way. Mixing one part white vinegar to six parts water will create the perfect mixture. When fruit and vegetables decay, it's due to enzymes that break down the cells of the produce. These enzymes are greatly affected by both pH and temperature. Most food-spoilage organisms struggle to survive in environments with a pH below 4.0, and this mixture has a pH of around 3.0. Therefore, the majority of the microbes will die off, and enzyme activity will be reduced greatly due to the combined effects of the acidity and storing the produce in cold temperatures in the fridge . Food waste expert Graham Matthews said: "Understanding the science behind food spoilage can be key to helping to reduce it. "When we understand how spoilage affects different products and why, we can choose to make smarter choices when it comes to storing our food. "Simple hacks like rinsing in vinegar, freezing, or pickling are all easy preservation methods that can have a huge impact on reducing food waste in the home.' To help preserve your produce, householders are advised to put their fruit and vegetables into the mixture for around five minutes, then remove and leave to dry on a paper towel. The fruit or vegetables should then be put back into a clean container, with a paper towel lining the bottom, and stored in your fridge. As long as the mixture is diluted as instructed and you dry your produce, the method shouldn't affect the taste of your fruit and vegetables either. Follow these other hacks to extend the life of your food
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How this 35p ingredient found in almost every home can stop your food going off
An expert has sworn that this 35p ingredient found in nearly every British household is the answer to stopping your food from going off. It was revealed that washing your fruit and vegetables with a white vinegar mix can extend their shelf life. All you need to do is mix one part white vinegar with six parts water before soaking your produce in the mixture for around five minutes. After letting it dry, you should then put your produce in a clean container, with a paper towel lining the bottom, at the bottom of your fridge. Discussing the hack, food waste expert Graham Matthews from Business Waste said: 'Understanding the science behind food spoilage can be key to helping to reduce it. "When we understand how spoilage affects different products and why, we can choose to make smarter choices when it comes to storing our food. "Simple hacks like rinsing in vinegar, freezing, or pickling are all easy preservation methods that can have a huge impact on reducing food waste in the home.' The expert also shared a number of other ways you can keep your fruit and vegetables fresher for longer. It is always worth storing your food with "care and attention," according to the expert. He explains: "Try to separate bananas from other foods as they can speed up the ripening process, use airtight containers to keep food dry, and keep herbs in a glass of water to extend their life." For optimal storage, your fridge should be set at 4°C or below to slow the growth of bacteria. It is also important to remember that your fridge door compartments will be warmer, so try to only store drinks and condiments here. Stocking up your freezer? Keep these 5 'surprising' foods away from it These are the foods you should avoid that are bad for your cholesterol Why Brits are being urged to wash 7 common supermarket foods before eating The expert states: "Cooking and freezing food before it goes off if you don't have time to eat it is a great way to prevent domestic food waste. Most frozen food retains its nutritional value." Graham explains: "Pickling, fermenting, and conserving fruits, vegetables, and meats is a great way to extend their life.
