A RECYCLING service for vapes is now available in Greenock.

VPZ, the UK’s largest vaping retailer, has teamed up with WasteCare to launch the service for vapes and e-cigarettes.

Vapes contain lithium batteries and plastic and concerns have been raised locally about the damage they are doing to the environment due to litter louts discarding them.

Bosses at the West Blackhall Street store say the service is open to all vapers and anyone can visit and dispose safely of their vaping devices or e-cigarettes.

WasteCare will collect and then treat and recover disposable vapes and reusable hardware devices at its plant in West Yorkshire.

VPZ director, Doug Mutter 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 partnership with WasteCare responds to this challenge head on and vapers can come into our network of over 150 stores throughout the country, including Greenock, to recycle their vape devices, both disposable and reusable, in a safe and responsible way.

“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."

The WasteCare Group was established in 1980. Employing over 500 personnel across 17 regional Service Centres, the company is the UK’s largest independent recycling company specialising in recovering value from hazardous and challenging waste streams.

VPZ is calling on both the UK and Scottish governments to introduce tighter controls and licensing for selling vaping products.

Mr Mutter said: “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.

“We are urging the UK Government to act now and follow best practices from countries like New Zealand, where flavoured products can only be sold from specialist licensed vaping stores. Thus, ensuring that an appropriate challenge 25 policy is in place and consultation is aimed towards adult smokers and vapers.”