RESIDENTS in Craven and North Yorkshire are urged to dispose of their used vapes responsibly as part of the UK’s biggest celebration of recycling.

In its 21st year, Recycle Week runs from October 14 to 20, and shines a light on the nation’s recycling habits through activities and initiatives.

In North Yorkshire, vape recycling bins have been installed at all 20 household waste recycling centres, with the aim of avoiding them ending up in kerbside bins.

Materials used in single use vapes can be harmful to the environment and need to be disposed of separately.

Residents are being urged to safely dispose of their vapesResidents are being urged to safely dispose of their vapes (Image: UGC)

Once collected at the recycling centres, they are transported to the recycling facility to be dismantled and the lithium-ion battery is removed for processing while the metals and plastics are recycled.

Lithium-ion batteries can cause fires if discarded in kerbside recycling or waste bins.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for waste services, Cllr Greg White, said: “This new initiative has the aim of ensuring people who use vape devices dispose of them in the right way.

“Vapes are not safe to be recycled or disposed of in kerbside bins or boxes at home. One incorrectly discarded vape could cause huge damage or serious injury.”