Waste Experts and ANDS confirm recyclability of single-use aluminium vapes

A study by Waste Experts, one of the most responsive waste management specialists and commissioned by alternative nicotine delivery solutions (ANDS), confirmed the recyclability of single-use aluminium and plastic vapes. ANDS, a trademark owner and distributor of alternative nicotine delivery systems, stated that the recyclability of aluminium and plastic was assessed based on the materials used, the weight of recyclable components, quantity of trash diverted from landfill, disassembly time, number of components inside each vaporiser, and total product weight in each instance.

The results, disclosed to legislators at a unique Houses of Parliament event, come as the sector faces increased scrutiny owing to the estimated five million or more goods thrown away each week. For similar environmental reasons, Scotland is now considering a ban on disposables. The research comes on the heels of Biffa, the sustainable waste management firm, announcing the introduction of a UK-wide disposal, collection, and recycling solution for single-use vapes.

Stewart Price, scheme manager at Waste Experts, said, "Whilst there are some variations between the two products, fundamentally our analysis shows they both demonstrated a strong recyclability performance. All materials found in disposables that we examined except for the battery have recycling and/or recovery options within the UK. For example, laminated cardboard can be used in low-grade paper products such as drinks holders, whereas standard cardboard will be used as future high-quality cardboard packaging.

"By highlighting that single-use vapes, on the whole, are highly recyclable, our study and experience of dealing with vape waste indicates that the real environmental challenge in the vaping sector is the lack of availability and knowledge of collection systems and recycling, respectively, despite the waste industry being able to collect and process them. There is a lack of understanding, and most media reports fail to focus on the fact that consumers can recycle vapes, but there is a lack of easy access to collection and recycling options."

The report also pointed out other important issues:

• Currently, the options for recycling plastic wrapping are limited, with most of this material going towards 'energy from trash' applications.
• Treatment of used units when their condition may have deteriorated owing to duration of use and storage awaiting treatment must be considered. Old equipment that has deteriorated over time may need extra care or specific treatment to guarantee proper waste disposal.

"The findings are very promising. However, it is clear that much still needs to be done to ensure that consumers are aware that these products should be recycled and that appropriate collection systems are in place to facilitate recycling participation. "Our industry is on a journey. We know that we need to minimise the environmental impact of our products and work together with waste industry partners to resolve the challenges that have been highlighted in this report – both on the waste and consumer sides. We're delighted with the recyclability performance of our new SLIX product, which was analysed as part of the study like the rest of the industry, we are striving to enhance the sustainability of our products, and we plan to launch a 100% recyclable product by the end of the year," said Marina Murphy, senior director of scientific and medical affairs at ANDS.

The Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Vaping, Mark Pawsey MP, stated at the introduction of the new report that the 'climate is shifting' around single-use e-cigarettes but that there is a 'window of opportunity' to address the environmental effect of disposables.