Vape recycling bins to be installed across Oxfordshire

In some instances, vapes can cause fires in bin trucks or waste facilities if not disposed of properly

Vape recycling points will be introduced in some public places to encourage people to dispose of their e-cigarettes properly.

Up to 60 new collection points will be available in shops, bars and cafes across Oxford, Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington.

The plans will also see a new kerbside vape collection service introduced in Cherwell.

Authorities hope it will stop vapes contaminating other recycling waste.

Oxfordshire is set to be one of the first areas to offer a vape recycling service

Bright pink bins were also installed at waste recycling centres on Wednesday, marking the beginning of the project.

The scheme is being provided by Oxfordshire County Council, Cherwell District Council and Oxford City Council, as part of the Recycle Your Electricals campaign.

Not-for-profit, Material Focus, has given the authorities more than £40,000 in funding.

The Local Government Association said 1.3 million vapes were thrown away each week and wants them banned by 2024.

But Councillor Pete Sudbury, Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet member for climate change and environment, said that while vapes were still being used, the project would help residents safely recycle them.

Residents in Cherwell have been urged to place their disposable vapes in a clear plastic bag on top of their blue or green bin on collection day.

"It's important not to dispose of these items in the green or blue bins as the batteries can, and have, caused serious fires," Andrew McHugh, from Cherwell District Council, added.

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