Somerset Council asks people to recycle vapes properly ahead of ban
The ban on disposable vapes will come into force this weekend
Somerset Council is urging resident to recycle their disposable vapes properly ahead of a nationwide ban.
The ban - which will see single-use vapes being fully prohibited form being supplied or sold - will come into force on Sunday (June 1st).
England, Scotland and Wales will be mandated to get rid of disposable vapes - meaning that vapes can only be sold if they are reusable or rechargeable, according to new environment laws.
Somerset Council is now urging anyone who may have any single-use vapes to dispose of them properly, as mismanaged recycling can "present a danger to crews and the recycling facilities".
The authority said that while vapes are helpful in getting adults to quit smoking, they remain full of "harmful chemicals, metals and a battery" - all of which could cause damage when being recycled.
The council are now asking that bags should now be put into "a small, clear tied bag, such as a sandwich bag, and leave it on top of one the recycling boxes".
Speaking on the initiative, Councillor Richard Wilkins from Somerset Council said: "The number of vapes in use is on the rise and it's important that the right thing is done with them.
"Too many vapes are discarded in the general rubbish and this can be harmful to both our crews and the public. If crushed, the battery hidden inside has the potential to explode.
"We are now asking for vapes to be presented separately with your recycling. They should not be included with batteries or small electricals, but instead in their own small, clear, tied bag."