Vapes were originally touted as a cheaper and safer alternative to tobacco, and while they still serve this purpose, they’ve become a defining image of throwaway culture. Around five million single-use vapes are thrown away every week in the UK - a fourfold increase on 2022. This amounts to eight vapes being discarded every second, according to research by Material Focus. Disposable vapes are difficult and expensive to recycle, spelling disaster for the environment and local councils, who are struggling to cope with the amount being thrown away every day. Click here to subscribe to The Independent: https://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-Independent About The Independent: Making Change Happen. The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Connect with The Independent: Check out our full video catalog: null Videos, daily editorial and more: http://www.theindy.com/ Click here to get the best of The Independent daily: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Like The Independent on Facebook: https://www.fb.com/TheIndependentOnline Follow The Independent on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Independent Follow The Independent on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.independent Download the iOS & Android app: https://www.independent.co.uk/subscribe/app Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust - https://www.independent.co.uk/donations Subscribe to Independent Premium for exclusive content & live events: https://bit.ly/2MiOONB