Used vapes could be sent to help Ukraine in war
More work could be done in Havant to increase the recycling of vapes and that could include sending them to Ukraine to help the country in its war with Russia.
National figures revealed five million e-cigarettes are thrown away each week and Havant Borough Council is set to call for more action.
In a motion brought forward by Councillor Andy Briggs (Con, Cowplain) and seconded by Councillor Imogen Payter (Con, St Faith’s) at a full council meeting, it could call on Hampshire County Council and the vape industry to explore “innovative” recycling methods, “such as donating to Ukraine”.
It is also set to consider a policy of installing plastic recycling banks, look into setting up collection boxes for single-use vapes, encourage more shops to accept the e-cigarettes for recycling and work with Hampshire County Council to find a solution to hard plastic being recycled from kerbside collections.
Cllr Briggs said there is no realistic way for residents to recycle pots, tubs and trays at the moment, with Cllr Payter adding she wanted to highlight Ukraine’s ingenuity of repurposing discarded lithium batteries in vapes for use on the front line.
She said: ”The conflict in the Ukraine has brought to light the desperate need for unconventional aid.
“The single-use lithium batteries are used to power essential field equipment. [Fuelling] Drones that deliver vital supplies across dangerous territories.”
In his motion, Cllr Briggs said there are currently only 14 vape collection points in the borough.
Research shows about five million disposable vapes are thrown away each week, with the batteries causing 700 bin lorry and recycling centre fires nationally as they are dumped in general waste.
Councillor Grannie Rasen (Green, Emsworth), demonstrated how attractive vapes can be to children, showing one that looked like a sweet.
She said: “Anyone who sells them is meant to take them back but very few people know that.”
The cabinet will be asked to consider the four actions at its next meeting.