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More than 1m vapes thrown away every day in the UK, research finds

The Guardian

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December 16, 2024

Thirteen vapes are thrown away every second in the UK - more than a million a day - causing an "environmental nightmare", according to research.

- Helena Horton

There has also been a rise in "big puff" vapes, which can hold up to 6,000 puffs per vape. Single-use vapes average 600. Three million of these larger vapes are being bought every week according to the research, commissioned by Material Focus, and conducted by Opinium. More than 8m vapes are now thrown away or recycled incorrectly every week.

From June 2025 it will be illegal to sell single-use vapes, a move designed to combat environmental damage and use by children. Vapes will only be sold if they are rechargeable or contain a refillable cartridge.

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