Gateshead Council says it wants to remind residents of the “dangers posed” by incorrectly disposing of them in household waste or recycling bins.
The Council says that as vapes contain batteries, copper and plastics they are classed as Waste Electrical and Electrical Equipment (WEEE), so should be disposed of at Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC).
Vapes can also be taken to the nearest large supermarket as they have a legal obligation to take them for recycling.
These batteries can be damaged during processing and spark, setting fire to any combustible materials around them.
Research published in December 2022 identified that over 700 fires in waste trucks and sites are caused by batteries that haven’t been removed from electricals.
Councillor Linda Green, Chair of the South Tyne and Wear Waste Management Partnership, commented: “I really dislike the term ‘disposable’, as they are anything but.
“All vapes contain a battery, and if you throw them in your bin and they are collected by our crews, these batteries can be damaged during processing and spark, setting fire to any combustible materials around them.
“This is particularly hazardous in our waste facilities or in collection vehicles, where they can cause large fires and present a real danger to life.
“Vapes are fully recyclable, so I urge all residents using these devices to recycle them responsibly once they’ve finished using them.”
