Somerset residents are being urged to dispose of vapes correctly.
Somerset Council and SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK have made the plea following an increase in vapes being thrown in bins and mixed with recyclables at the kerbside.
Vapes, which contain harmful chemicals, metals, batteries, and electronics, pose a fire risk when compacted in refuse trucks.
The two organisations are asking residents to consider the environmental and safety impacts of their vape disposal.
Cllr Richard Wilkins, lead member for transport and waste at Somerset Council, said: "The number of vapes in use is on the rise and it's important that the right thing is done with them.
"Too many vapes are discarded in the general rubbish and this can be harmful to both our crews and the public.
"If crushed, the battery hidden inside has the potential to explode."
To safely recycle both reusable and non-reusable vapes, the council now asks residents to keep them separate by putting them into a small, clear tied bag, such as a sandwich bag, and leaving it on top of one of the recycling boxes.
The bag of vapes should not be mixed in with other recycling so that crews can easily identify them.
Vapes should no longer be included in the same bag as batteries or small electricals for kerbside collection.
Vapes should never be put in with general rubbish.
Philip De Wavrin, senior production manager at SUEZ, said: "The amount of vapes we are seeing on our sites is ever increasing.
"To keep the crews and facilities free from potential fires it is really important that residents separate vapes as we have described.
"We want to thank residents in advance for keeping vapes bagged and separated from all other recycling and therefore keeping our crews and the facility safe."
Alternatively, vapes can also be returned to the shop they were bought from to be recycled.
A list of collection points can also be found at recycleyourelectricals.org.uk.
A ban on single-use vapes will come into law on Sunday, June 1, but it is thought that single-use vapes will remain in use for a while after this.
If you or someone you know is thinking about quitting smoking or needs support to stop vaping, Smokefree Somerset offers free, friendly help to get started.
To speak with a trained advisor, visit the Smokefree Somerset website or call 01823 356222.
Smokefree Somerset advises that while vaping can be a helpful quitting aid for adults who smoke, it is not recommended for non-smokers.
It is also illegal to sell vaping products to anyone under the age of 18.
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