Know your responsibilities! Changes to retailer compliance: recycling single use vapes (OPSS video guide)

From 31st March 2024 all retailers selling single-use vapes in store or online must meet specific obligations for their collection and recycling. For further information please watch the following OPSS video. Compliance by Vape Retailers - OPSS V7.

Following the end of Phase 6, on 31st December 2023, disposable vapes are no longer be included of the WEEE Distributor Take-back Scheme. Enforcement will come into effect from 31st March 2024.

All vape distributors must now:

• offer free takeback on WEEE

• accept WEEE for free from customers supplied with like-for-like products, regardless of whether this is done in store, online or by mail order

• retain a record of all WEEE taken back for at least four years

• provide customers access to written information on the service provided and what they should do with their WEEE

Guidance - Regulations: Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

Read further information to help distributors comply with the regulations

Download templates for distributors operating a takeback scheme

If you have a specific enquiry about compliance, please email OPSS.enquiries@beis.gov.uk or contact the OPSS helpdesk on 0121 345 1201.

You may also be interested in Valpak’s WEEEbox – Waste Collection for recycling options (contact info@valpak.co.uk  or 03450 682 572 for more information).