New vape recycling scheme available for Cherwell residents

The initiative involves kerbside collections, dedicated bins at household waste recycling centres, and local public drop-offs throughout the region.

Launched by Cherwell District Council in collaboration with the Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council, the scheme tackles the issue of single-use vape disposals in litter bins, general waste, or mixed recycling.

This type of disposal can contaminate other recycling materials, and in certain situations, spark fires in waste facilities or bin trucks.

The venture, entitled the 'Recycle Your Vapes' campaign, anticipates the addition of 60 new vaping disposal sites at various small retailers, shopping areas, bars and cafés in Oxford, Banbury, Bicester, and Kidlington.

These sites will be easily identifiable with three-feet high, clear plastic tubes, accompanied by a bright pink 'recycle your vapes' poster.

A separate kerbside collection for vapes in Cherwell is also introduced under this campaign, in addition to new public recycling bins at seven household waste recycling centres in Oxfordshire.

Councillor Andrew McHugh, the portfolio holder for cleaner and greener communities, said: "We're always looking at developing ways to make it easier for residents to dispose of their waste appropriately and recycle more.

"We are pleased to offer residents the option to recycle disposable vapes in addition to other small electrical items at the kerbside.

"All residents need to do is place the vapes in a clear plastic bag on top of their blue or green bin on collection day."

The new disposal points for recycling vapes, conveniently placed in public spaces, have been funded by Material Focus as a part of their overarching mission to ensure easy recycling access for 10 million UK residents.

The non-profit organisation, leading the ‘Recycle Your Electricals' campaign, has facilitated more than 40 similar UK projects, investing upwards of £40,000 in Oxfordshire alone.

The new pink recycling bins were put in place at local waste recycling centres as of November 29.

Material Focus aims to ease consumer recycling of electrical items, and therefore has funded various recycling methods, from kerbside collections to the establishment of additional drop-off points in schools and community centres.

Overall, Material Focus will have installed over 400 new collection points and arranged kerbside collections for 5.5 million residents.

To find your nearest recycling point, residents are advised to utilise the ‘Recycle Your Electricals' search function or visit the council’s Waste Wizard online tool.