A NEW recycling service for vaping devices and e-cigarettes has launched in Basingstoke.

VPZ, a UK vaping retailer, has teamed up with WasteCare to launch the service to responsibly recycle all kinds of vaping devices.

Vapes contain lithium batteries and plastic and when littered they can cause harm to the local environment.

The service is now live in the whole VPZ’s network of over 150 stores throughout the UK, including Basingstoke.

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It is open to all vapers, where anyone can visit a store and dispose safely of their vaping devices or e-cigarettes.

Doug Mutter, VPZ director, said: “We are excited to be launching this ground-breaking service with WasteCare to respond to an emerging environmental issue.

“Any form of littering is unacceptable however the proliferation of disposable vape use has led to single-use devices being discarded in local environments.

"Our service will also help us engage with adult smokers and vapers to educate them on the sustainable and environmental benefits of using reusable products."

All recycling processes will be handled by WasteCare which will be responsible for safely collecting, treating, and recovering disposable vapes and reusable hardware devices from within its plant in West Yorkshire.

Peter Hunt, managing director of Wastecare, said: “With the growing demand for vapes and e-cigarettes, we are delighted that VPZ is leading the way in providing a safe and environmentally sound way to tackle what is becoming a major challenge."

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VPZ also continues to call on both the UK and Scottish governments to introduce tighter controls and licensing for selling vaping products.

Doug added: “At the moment we have a challenge in the industry where many imported, unregulated, disposable vaping products are readily available from local convenience stores, supermarkets and several other general retailers with no age verification checks or control in place.

“This is an emerging problem that threatens the huge progress of vaping in transforming the health of the nation and helping the country meet its smoke-free targets."