New vape recycling scheme launched in Derry and Strabane
Mayor Cllr Grace Uí Niallais backs the rollout of safe disposal containers to improve District waste management
Derry City and Strabane District Council is encouraging residents to dispose of used vapes responsibly using dedicated vape bins at all Council recycling centres across the City and District.
The new bins provide a safe and convenient way for residents to recycle disposable vapes and used vape devices, helping to reduce environmental harm and protect waste management facilities from potential fire risks.
Improperly disposed vapes can cause fires when placed in household bins due to the lithium batteries they contain. Council is urging the public not to throw used vapes into their household bins and instead make use of the dedicated recycling facilities now available at all recycling centres.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Grace Uí Niallais, said: "Many people are unaware that disposable vapes contain materials that can be recycled and batteries that can pose a fire risk if they are not disposed of correctly. By providing dedicated vape recycling bins at all of our recycling centres, we are making it easier for residents to recycle these items safely and responsibly.
“I am delighted to see this development at our recycling centres as we continue to improve our overall waste management across the city and district. Council encourages anyone with used vapes or vape devices to collect them and then bring them to their local recycling centre rather than placing them in a household bin.”
Recent figures show that 1.18 billion vapes have been thrown away over the past four years, despite containing valuable materials that can be recycled. The number of vapes discarded each year contains enough lithium to power almost 5,000 electric vehicles.
By using the dedicated vape recycling bins, residents can help protect the environment, reduce fire risks and ensure valuable materials are recovered and recycled responsibly.
The initiative forms part of the Council's ongoing commitment to improving recycling opportunities and reducing waste across the City and District. Residents can visit any Council recycling centre to use the new vape recycling bins and help ensure these items are disposed of safely and sustainably.
To find your local recycling centre, please visit www.derrystrabane.com/recycling