Oxford Brookes University installs 10 vape recycling bins

The initiative, which started in November, provides simple ways for the responsible disposal of disposable vapes.

Since being introduced, this scheme and other related services have prevented almost 20,000 vapes from being improperly thrown away, potentially causing harm to the environment.

The recycled vapes project is part of a broader campaign across Oxfordshire to address the environmental impact of discarded e-cigarettes.

It offers easy-to-use, three-foot high, clear plastic tube collection points on campus, and at small retailers, pubs, and cafes in Oxford, Banbury, Bicester, and Kidlington.

These collection points are distinguishable by their bright pink "Recycle Your Vapes" posters, featuring images of vapes.

They offer a safer and more constructive way to get rid of used vapes, which if improperly disposed of, may lead to fires in waste facilities or recycling vehicles.

Material Focus, a not-for-profit organisation helming the Recycle Your Electricals campaign, of which Recycle Your Vapes is a part, has pitched in with £40,000 of funding for the project.

It works in conjunction with Oxford City Council, Oxford Direct Services, Oxfordshire County Council, Cherwell District Council.

Councillor Nigel Chapman (Image: Oxford Labour)

Councillor Nigel Chapman, cabinet member for citizen focused services and council companies, said: "In the UK alone, around five million single-use vapes are discarded weekly; that’s about eight vapes every second.

"In Oxfordshire alone there are an estimated 50,000 vapes binned weekly.

"Improper disposal poses risks to staff, the public, vehicles, sorting facilities, and operators, with incidents of vehicle fires recorded in the past.

“I want to thank Oxford Brookes for getting behind the campaign. Together we’ll ensure that more disposable vapes are disposed of correctly.”

Councillor Pete Sudbury (Image: Oxfordshire County Council)

Councillor Pete Sudbury, deputy leader of Oxfordshire County Council with responsibility for climate change, environment, and future generations said: "Since this campaign was launched in November, more than 10,000 disposable vapes have been deposited at our household waste recycling centres.

"It’s great to know that people are using this service and it is great news that it is being expanded with more recycling points being provided around the Oxford Brookes campus.

“However, we all know that single-use vapes, each with its own lithium-ion battery, are about as unsustainable as it gets, and the sooner a national ban is put in place, the better.” 

Collection points have also been established as part of the regular small electrical recycling service in Oxford and Cherwell.

Oxford Brookes University's collaboration with the campaign aims to simplify the process of vape recycling for residents, students, and visitors alike.