Tobacco Companies Decline to Help Independent Stores with E-Cigarette Recycling Programs

According to reports today, international tobacco companies in the UK have failed to support independent retailers in providing recycling services for used e-cigarette products.

Changes to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) recycling law mean that retailers selling electronic products must provide recycling services. Earlier this year, it was confirmed that the Office for Product Safety and Standards would begin enforcement actions against non-compliant retailers starting at the end of March.

The UK media outlet Better Retailing contacted Philip Morris Limited (PML), British American Tobacco, and Imperial Brands to inquire about how they are assisting retailers. None of them provided specific answers.

Imperial's UK company and legal affairs head Lindsay Mennell Keating stated that the company has communicated responsible disposal guidelines to consumers and retailers and confirmed that it has a program for consumers to safely dispose of their Blu devices.

A PML spokesperson explained that it also has a recycling program for its Veeba disposable vaping devices, but only for adult consumers and not retailers.

"We are also working with selected retail partners to test the feasibility of other programs that enable adult consumers to easily and responsibly return their Veeba devices," they said.

A representative from Japan Tobacco International added that the company does not produce or sell disposable e-cigarettes, but under WEEE regulations, Japan Tobacco International contributes to waste management taxes, which local authorities use to manage the collection and disposal of electronic products and batteries.