Three local authorities in Oxfordshire have joined forces to install 60 new recycling collection points for vapes across the county.
The new recycling points will be installed in shopping areas, bars and cafes across Oxford, Banbury, Bicester, and Kidlington.
The initiative will also see a new kerbside vape collection service introduced in Cherwell.
This new scheme, a joint project between Oxfordshire County Council, Cherwell District Council and Oxford City Council, has been supported with £40,000 from the not-for-profit Material Focus as part of the Recycle Your Electricals campaign.
Cllr Pete Sudbury, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for Climate Change and Environment, said: ‘Partly because of their environmental impact, we would support a ban on the sale of disposable vapes and encourage reusable vapes where possible. However, while vapes are still being used and thrown away, this project will expand the range of services for residents to safely recycle them.’
Cllr Nigel Chapman, Oxford City Council's cabinet member for Citizen Focused Services and Council Companies, added: ‘One small act, like putting disposable vapes in general waste or recycling, can cause immense disruption, considerable damage to our collection vehicles, and create danger to the public and our operators.’
