Youth Councillors have given their backing to a new campaign to reduce the environmental harm caused by single use vapes.
North Tyneside Council has set up 15 new recycling points to collect used vapes across the borough, alongside 30 locations for electrical goods, as part of a new initiative funded by Material Focus.
Disposable vapes are difficult and expensive to recycle because they’re made from a mixture of materials that cannot easily be separated.
Youth Councillors have issued a plea for people to use the recycling points provided in council buildings and community centres – with more soon to follow - and to help the council reduce e-waste.
Young Mayor, Cameron Quinn, said: "Disposable vapes have no place being littered on the ground and in our oceans as they are incredibly harmful and dangerous to the environment.
“Vapes contain hidden batteries that shouldn’t be binned as they can ignite when crushed during the collection or sorting process. Our new recycling points will make sure vapes can be disposed of safely.
“I am very pleased to see these bins installed across our borough. These points are incredibly important for the upkeep of our local environment, and I hope people use them whenever they can.
Councillor Hannah Johnson, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “Single use vapes have become one of the worst offenders in our throwaway culture, so I am really pleased to see these new locations set up to receive people’s used vapes.
“The involvement of our Youth Council sends a strong message about the importance of environmental action and why it matters to young people. I hope they can help to inspire and educate others about responsible waste disposal.”
The new vape recycling points can be found at:
- North Shields Community Hub & Library
- Whitley Bay Community Hub & Library
- Killingworth Community Hub & Library
- Dudley Community Hub & Library
- Longbenton Community Hub & Library
- Wallsend Community Hub & Library
- North Tyneside Council Quadrant
- The Linskill Centre
- Meadow Well Connected
- Earsdon & Wellfield Community Association
- Whitley Bay Hub
- Tyne Youth & Community Centre
- Howdon Community Hub
To find your nearest electricals recycling point, please visit our recycling map on the North Tyneside Council website.
