Torfaen Council is reminding people who use disposable vapes that they can return them to the place of purchase to be recycled

A council spokesperson said that an estimated five million disposable vapes are thrown away every week in the UK – equivalent to eight every second.

Both disposable and reusable vapes pose a risk of fire if they are put into purple-lidded rubbish bins because of the batteries and chemicals they contain.

Residents can get rid of disposable and reusable vapes safely by taking them to the small electrical section at the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) in New Inn, or returning them to retailers.

Councillor Mandy Owen, executive member for the environment, said: “Taking spent vapes to the Household Waste Recycling Centre helps to protect our crews from the risk of fire and prevents them ending up as litter. It also means they get recycled.

“For anyone who cannot get to the HWRC there, the retailers you bought the vape from has a legal duty to accept the old vape.”

Vapes are just one of 35 different items that can be recycled at the HWRC. Others include mattresses, furniture, fridges, freezers, TVs, and plasterboard.

The council aims to reach the Welsh Government’s 70% recycling target by March 2025 to avoid being fined.