Reminder: Compliance for offering vape takeback in accordance with the WEEE Regulations

OPSS vape guidance video on how to comply : Compliance by Vape Retailers - OPSS V7 

OPSS guidance: 

VAPE RETAILERS OFFERING TAKEBACK – WEEE REGULATIONS

The Government has decided that vapes will no longer be part of the Distributor Takeback Scheme. This change in government policy means ALL RETAILERS SELLING VAPES must offer their customers a recycling bin for vaping products.

This guidance document aims to explain how retailers operating in the UK can offer vape recycling bins in their stores and be compliant with the WEEE regulations.

OPERATING A VAPE RECYCLING SERVICE IN YOUR SHOP

Displaying Information in Stores

You must make information available to customers in your stores about the vape collection service you offer and how it can be used.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) have developed a template poster you can use here.

If you make your own poster then it must include the following information:

• The need to minimise WEEE waste in the municipal waste stream and secure high levels of collection rates.

• The collection and takeback services available to customers.

• How you are contributing to the reuse, recycling and other forms of recovery of WEEE.

• The potential effects on the environment and human health as a result of the presence of hazardous substances in EEE.

• The meaning of the crossed out wheeled bin symbol shown here:

Taking Back Vapes in Stores

You must offer to takeback to all vapes of the same functions of a vape. If you sell only one brand of vapes, you will have to accept returns of all types of vapes. You cannot charge customers for taking back their vapes. The service must be free of charge.

Storing Vapes

Vapes should be stored in a separate container in a cool dry place away from windows and direct sunlight, and away from other electrical and electronic equipment you instore for takeback. You can only store the used vapes temporarily, generally no longer than three months.

Tube containers, widely used for battery collection, can be used for storing vapes. Vapes are stored separately from batteries and other electronic and electrical equipment.

Arranging Collection of Vapes from your Stores

You are legally required to recycle the vapes you collect in your store properly. You will have to contact a WEEE compliance scheme or Approved Authorised Treatment Facility (AATF) to collect vapes from your store.

Vape collection service providers offer a wide range of services at different prices. You can get more information about vape providers from the following link: Registers of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) producer compliance schemes. This is the government’s register of WEEE / producer compliance schemes and AATF’s providers.

Record Keeping

You need to legally record information about the number of vaping units you collect through takeback in store and retain documents by your vape collection service provider. You should count the number of units returned to your store before they are collected by your vape collection service provider.

You do not need to distinguish between different types of vapes (i.e. brands), only the total number of units returned to your store and passed onto the vape collection service provider.

You need to keep all documentation you make, or are given by the waste collection provider, when you
dispose of electrical and electronic waste.

A template for recording the vapes returned to your store is available here.

You will receive a waste consignment notice from your waste collection provider that documents the returned vapes are being taken away to be recycled responsibly.

Records must be legally kept for a minimum of four-year period.

Non-Compliance

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) enforces the collection of vapes and other electrical products. You can be prosecuted and get an unlimited fine if you do not comply with the above regulations.
You may get warning letters before enforcement action, fine or prosecutions are undertaken.
You can contact them if you have any questions on compliance or suspected non-compliance via email or their telephone number below.

Email: OPSS.enquiries@beis.gov.uk                                            

Telephone: 0121 345 1201 (Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm)