Vape retailer VPZ has teamed up with WasteCare to offer a nationwide recycling service for e-cigarettes, reports betterretailing.

The service is now available in all of VPZ’s network of over 150 stores across the UK. The service is open to all, as anyone can visit a store and safely dispose of their e-cigarettes.

All recycling processes are handled by WasteCare, which is responsible for the safe collection, treament, and recycling of disposable vapes and reusable hardware devices at its plant in Elland, West Yorkshire.

Doug Mutter, director at VPZ, said it will help clean up local environments throughout the country, while educating vapers on being responsible and using more sustainable vaping products. He said: “We are excited to be launching this ground-breaking service with WasteCare to respond to an emerging environmental issue. Any form of littering is unacceptable, however the proliferation of disposable vape use has led to single-use devices being discarded in local environments. Our partnership with WasteCare responds to this challenge head on, and vapers can come into our network of over 150 stores throughout the country to recycle their vape devices, both disposable and reusable, in a safe and responsible way. Our service will also help us engage with adult smokers and vapers to educate them on the sustainable and environmental benefits of using reusable products.”

Peter Hunt, managing director of WasteCare, said: “With the growing demand for vapes and e-cigarettes, we are delighted that VPZ is leading the way in providing a safe and environmentally sound way to tackle what is becoming a major challenge. WasteCare is the UK’s only permitted recycler of portable batteries. Every vape contains a lithium battery and our plant is designed to safely recover the precious material from the vaping device, as well as the metal and plastic components in it.”