Latest news with #WasteElectricalandElectronicEquipment
Irish Independent
16-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Report finds Leitrim is country's worst performing county for recycling
Last year, an average 4.8kg of household e-waste was recycled per person in Leitrim, less than the 9.5kg national average. The figures indicate that Leitrim is the worst performing county in Ireland, according to the latest Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Ireland annual report. The country's biggest e-waste recycling scheme is now calling for a national leap forward in "e-waste intelligence" as electrical device consumption reaches record levels - with vapes and solar panels driving a 75pc surge in sales over the last five years. A total of 93 million household electronic items were purchased nationally in 2024, putting pressure on Ireland's ability to meet EU recycling targets which are based on sales volumes, regardless of product life cycle or whether they can be reused. This is almost three times the volume sold in 2006, according to WEEE Ireland, with a reported 31 million vape and e-cigarette devices sold last year alone, and 2.5 million solar PV panels installed in the last five years. This month, the Government allocated €27 million from the Circular Economy Fund to support further progress, and WEEE Ireland is pushing for an ambitious roadmap forward. Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland said Leitrim has an engaged public and a high-performing recycling network. 'With increased investment in recycling centres, including longer opening hours, and strong leadership, we can set the benchmark for e-waste and circular economy solutions in Europe' said Mr Donovan. WEEE Ireland is taking the lead, working with manufacturers and retailers to scale up sustainable solutions. In 2024 alone, it collected 38,215 tonnes of e-waste, equating to 9.5kg per capita. ADVERTISEMENT This included large household appliances which account for a significant share of Ireland's material recovery due to their size and resource content – almost 330,000 large household appliances, over 119,000 fridge freezers and 258,000 TVs and monitors. More than 1.1 million vape devices were also recovered, despite being notoriously difficult to capture due to disposal habits, with many ending up in waste bins. WEEE Ireland says it continues to work with retailers and regulators to design more effective solutions for this new category of waste. 16.2 million small appliances - such as kettles, vacuums , tools, and toys - along with 1.9 million lighting items and 72 million AA batteries worth of portable batteries were also collected. With a 96pc recovery rate, WEEE Ireland continues to exceed EU material recovery targets and reinforce Ireland's standing as a circular economy leaders. Consumers can recycle their electronics for free at participating retailers or recycling centres. Check for these as well as its many free public recycling collection days across the country.
The Irish Sun
30-05-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Vape ban sparks panic buying as shops slash prices to beat deadline in just HOURS that could land you with £600 fine
VAPE users have started panic buying in bulk as shops slash prices ahead of the looming ban. Brits could be fined hundreds of pounds when 1 Vape users have been "bulk-buying" and "panicking" ahead of the ban Credit: Getty Both online and in store outfits will be affected by the ban and will include all vapes, regardless of whether they contain nicotine. "The maximum amount those who breach their household waste duty of care could be fined will increase from £400 to £600," the Government website WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) stated. Refillable vapes will still be available after the ban is imposed - but this hasn't stopped users Jack Leadbeater, 22, who works at Eco Vape on Exchange Walk in Nottingham, told the BBC people have been "bulk-buying" in response to new legislation. Read More "They've just been bulk-buying, really, making [sure] they can have them for as long as possible after the ban," "With the ones that they're getting, they're just using them and then they don't have to worry about them, they just chuck them away, whereas with the pods and stuff, a lot of people see it as a hassle and they don't really want to go for that." Meanwhile, Douglas Eccles, from Rustic Vapez, agreed with the ban but noted how it's left customers "panicking". "Everyone's panicking thinking all disposables are gone from Sunday, but it's not going to go that way," he said. Most read in The Sun "A lot of people are bulk-buying them because a lot of shops are doing them really cheap because they know that any stock they've got from Sunday they've got to take off the shelves. "At the end of the day it's business, you don't want to lose out." Teen told he was coughing up 'pints' of blood due to a stomach ulcer caused by kebabs - 'excessive vaping' was to blame The ban comes as figured revealed fourteen per cent of over-16s puffed on e-cigarettes between January 2024 and January 2025 — the same percentage as the previous year. The crackdown will also halt the scourge of plastic littering after five million vapes a week were thrown away in 2023 — quadruple the number from 2022. The move follows mounting fears that more kids are illegally buying disposables, many of which now come in bright packaging with flavours including bubblegum, candy floss and cola. Ministers also want to stop users trashing the environment with the throwaway devices. More than 40 tonnes of lithium, used in the batteries, was thrown out with disposable vapes in the UK in 2022 — enough to power 5,000 electric cars. Scientists believe the ban has recently dented the popularity of single-use vapes. Study author Dr Sarah Jackson said: 'The research cannot tell us why vaping rates have levelled off. "But in the past we have seen changes in smoking habits before a policy change. 'Action is likely still required to reduce high vaping rates. "But now the situation has stabilised, policymakers may be sensible to avoid stricter options that might deter smokers from using vapes to quit.' The University College London study of 88,611 people in It went from 63 to 35 per cent among young adults. WEEE waste professionals said: "Many people mistakenly believe that vapes can be tossed into their regular bin at home, but they're actually classed as WEEE, 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." The worrying statistics come amid more and more vaping horror stories. A self-confessed "vaping addict" says Karlee Ozkurt, 20, vaped for five years, after Now she fears she won't live past the age of "40 or 50". Karlee claims taking up e-cigarettes was the "worst decision" she ever made and it remains her biggest regret in life. Meanwhile, a man has urged people quit vaping after he was left with Joseph Lawrence, 25, puffed on e-cigarettes every day for years before being rushed to A&E with an almost collapsed lung. Plus, one parent was horrified when he A youngster was then left in coma, with another "vomiting blood". Other school children have required medical attention after vaping, falling unconscious while experiencing horrifying heart palpitations, and dizziness. What are the new vape laws? Ministers have pledged to crackdown on poorly regulated vapes and e-cigarettes following an explosion in the number of teenagers who use them. New rules for manufacturers and shopkeepers are expected to come into force in 2025. They are set to include: Higher tax rates paid on vapes increase the price and make it harder for children to afford them A ban on single-use vapes in favour of devices that can be recharged A ban on colourful and cartoonish packaging that may appeal to youngsters Tighter controls on flavourings and a ban on unnecessarily sweet or child-friendly ones like bubblegum and candy More regulation on how and where they are displayed in shops, potentially putting them out of sight Harsher penalties for shops caught selling them to under-18s The ban on disposable vapes is part of ambitious government plans to tackle the rise in youth vaping. A report published by Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) found 20.5 per cent of children in the UK had tried vaping in 2023, up from 15.8 per cent in 2022 and 13.9 per cent in 2020.
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.
Scottish Sun
22-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Major warning to anyone who vapes as £600 fines to hit in just DAYS for common mistake
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) VAPE users have been warned they could be fined hundreds of pounds when fresh legislation comes into effect. From June 1, it will be illegal for businesses to sell or supply single-use vapes. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Disposable vapes will be banned across UK from June 1 Credit: Alamy Both online and in store outfits will be affected by the ban and will include all vapes, regardless of whether they contain nicotine. "The maximum amount those who breach their household waste duty of care could be fined will increase from £400 to £600," the Government website WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) stated. Fourteen per cent of over-16s puffed on e-cigarettes between January 2024 and January 2025 — the same percentage as the previous year. The crackdown will also halt the scourge of plastic littering after five million vapes a week were thrown away in 2023 — quadruple the number from 2022. The move follows mounting fears that more kids are illegally buying disposables, many of which now come in bright packaging with flavours including bubblegum, candy floss and cola. Ministers also want to stop users trashing the environment with the throwaway devices. More than 40 tonnes of lithium, used in the batteries, was thrown out with disposable vapes in the UK in 2022 — enough to power 5,000 electric cars. Scientists believe the ban has recently dented the popularity of single-use vapes. Study author Dr Sarah Jackson said: 'The research cannot tell us why vaping rates have levelled off. "But in the past we have seen changes in smoking habits before a policy change. Katie Price caught VAPING on train in front of fuming passengers… before admitting 'it's not the first time' to pals 'Action is likely still required to reduce high vaping rates. "But now the situation has stabilised, policymakers may be sensible to avoid stricter options that might deter smokers from using vapes to quit.' The University College London study of 88,611 people in England, Wales and Scotland between 2022 and 2025 also found use of disposable vapes last year tumbled. It went from 63 to 35 per cent among young adults. WEEE waste professionals said: "Many people mistakenly believe that vapes can be tossed into their regular bin at home, but they're actually classed as WEEE, 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."
The Irish Sun
22-05-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Major warning to anyone who vapes as £600 fines to hit in just DAYS for common mistake
VAPE users have been warned they could be fined hundreds of pounds when fresh legislation comes into effect. From June 1, it will be illegal for businesses to sell or supply single-use vapes. 1 Disposable vapes will be banned across UK from June 1 Credit: Alamy Both online and in store outfits will be affected by the ban and will include all vapes, regardless of whether they contain nicotine. "The maximum amount those who breach their household waste duty of care could be fined will increase from £400 to £600," the Government website WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) stated. Fourteen per cent of over-16s puffed on e-cigarettes between January 2024 and January 2025 — the same percentage as the previous year. The crackdown will also halt the scourge of plastic littering after five million vapes a week were thrown away in 2023 — quadruple the number from 2022. read more in news The move follows mounting fears that more kids are illegally buying disposables, many of which now come in bright packaging with flavours including bubblegum, candy floss and cola. Ministers also want to stop users trashing the environment with the throwaway devices. More than 40 tonnes of lithium, used in the batteries, was thrown out with disposable vapes in the UK in 2022 — enough to power 5,000 electric cars. Scientists believe the ban has recently dented the popularity of single-use vapes. Most read in The Sun Study author Dr Sarah Jackson said: 'The research cannot tell us why vaping rates have levelled off. "But in the past we have seen changes in smoking habits before a policy change. Katie Price caught VAPING on train in front of fuming passengers… before admitting 'it's not the first time' to pals 'Action is likely still required to reduce high vaping rates. "But now the situation has stabilised, policymakers may be sensible to avoid stricter options that might deter smokers from using vapes to quit.' The University College London study of 88,611 people in It went from 63 to 35 per cent among young adults. WEEE waste professionals said: "Many people mistakenly believe that vapes can be tossed into their regular bin at home, but they're actually classed as WEEE, 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." What are the new vape laws? Ministers have pledged to crackdown on poorly regulated vapes and e-cigarettes following an explosion in the number of teenagers who use them. New rules for manufacturers and shopkeepers are expected to come into force in 2025. They are set to include: Higher tax rates paid on vapes increase the price and make it harder for children to afford them A ban on single-use vapes in favour of devices that can be recharged A ban on colourful and cartoonish packaging that may appeal to youngsters Tighter controls on flavourings and a ban on unnecessarily sweet or child-friendly ones like bubblegum and candy More regulation on how and where they are displayed in shops, potentially putting them out of sight Harsher penalties for shops caught selling them to under-18s The ban on disposable vapes is part of ambitious government plans to tackle the rise in youth vaping. A report published by Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) found 20.5 per cent of children in the UK had tried vaping in 2023, up from 15.8 per cent in 2022 and 13.9 per cent in 2020.
