Written question WQ94725
- Asked by
- Rhys ab OwenIndependent
- To be answered by
- Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 9 days
Question
What is the Welsh Government doing ahead of the banning of disposable vapes next year to mitigate the risk of battery fires in bin lorries and at waste sites?
Answer
Answered by Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
Changes have recently been made to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013 to require those selling vapes (where their sales area is greater than 400 square metres including aisle, display, and shelf space) to provide an in-store takeback scheme for customers. This service is free to everyone, regardless of whether they have bought the product from that store and will help reduce the amount of vapes being inappropriately disposed of in household waste/ litter bins. These schemes are advertised in-stores and we will continuing working with businesses prior to the ban to help raise awareness. This will include the development of UK wide guidance for the public.