Vape Recycling

You don’t need to be a big environmentalist or recycling nerd to have noticed the introduction of “disposable” vapes appearing in shops, in peoples hands and discarded on streets.

I’ve had a bit of a personal vendetta against these for a while. For 2 main reasons.

They contain rechargeable lithium batteries.
Why? What the hell?… Yes exactly. Unfortunately in order for these devices to work they need the power delivery that Lithium batteries are able to provide. A side-effect of that being that they naturally are rechargeable. These batteries can be translated into another device and operate just like an off the shelf lithium-ion battery. (With some exceptions)

A study performed by Sky and the Daily Telegraph a few years ago suggested that enough lithium is lost to landfill to produce the batteries for 1200 electric cars… in the UK alone.

They are nearly impossible to recycle properly.
Most local authorities waste management contractors are simply not geared up for these devices. Where I live any disposed of in municipal bins are burned for energy!

The only “correct” way to dispose of these devices is in WEEE small appliances recycling available at your local tip. However having contacted my local waste management company. It is unclear how much of this is recycled in the UK and how much is actually just sent over-seas by an authorised battery exporter.

A separate problem…

At events/festivals/garden parties etc there is always a requirement for power. Principally for lighting solutions. You need to be able to see your way into the toilets, to be able to locate your tent, to get into the event after dark.

The current solution for this is typically running generators, powering lights. Burning fossil fuels and costing rental money. A lot of the time requiring separate smaller generators at remote locations to the key power infrastructure required for sound systems etc…

The ideal solution being a solar charged system that can charge during the day and then provide ample localised lighting during the evening.

Events aren’t currently doing this because of the prohibitive cost of the hardware. Batteries are expensive, solar panels are expensive. If you’re hosting an event that runs for a few days every year. Throwing £100s at a solar solution is simply not feasible. Also the rental options that are available are designed for worksites. Taking up lots of space and bathing an area in clinical bright white flood light.