Monmouthshire County Council is urging residents to dispose of vapes correctly after recycling wardens found eight disposable devices in a single household waste bag. 

A recent audit highlighted an important issue that often goes unnoticed.

While small in size, vapes contain lithium-ion batteries and should never be placed in household refuse. These batteries can be damaged when waste is compacted in collection vehicles or handled at recycling and waste facilities, increasing the risk of fires.

Monmouthshire has previously experienced battery-related incidents affecting both waste collection vehicles and Household Waste Recycling Centres.

This single black bag serves as a powerful example of how waste audits can uncover hidden issues and make waste collections safer.

The discovery also reinforces the important role recycling wardens play in identifying problem materials and helping residents recycle correctly.

Vapes contain valuable materials, which can be recovered and recycled through electrical recycling points, retailer take-back schemes and Household Waste Recycling Centres where there are vape-specific bins.

By ensuring these items are disposed of correctly, residents can help reduce fire risks, protect frontline waste staff and support Monmouthshire’s wider recycling and sustainability objectives.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, Cllr Catrin Maby, said: “Making sure we dispose of vapes and other items which contain lithium-ion batteries is vital, both for the environment and the safety of frontline staff.

“Waste audits like the ones our wardens carry out help to drive positive behavioural change, making waste collections safer and helping valuable resources stay in circulation.”