With the import and sale of disposable vapes now banned, anyone who has any is asked to drop them off at Longue Hougue.
You should not throw them in a bin, because of the potential fire risk associated with the batteries that they have inside them. If that is crushed or damaged it can cause them to ignite, warned Waste Minimisation Officer Douglas Button.
He said a number of fires have already occurred at the Waste Transfer Station, and most recently at the Household Waste and Recycling Centre, which are believed to have been caused by batteries, potentially from discarded vapes.
“It is extremely important that any item containing a battery is disposed of correctly,” said Mr Button.
“We strongly encourage householders to take used vapes and vape-related products to the Household Waste & Recycling Centre, where a dedicated vape disposal bin is available. Disposing of these items through household waste or recycling carries a very high risk of fire, which can endanger our staff and public safety.”
Before the ban on the import and sale of disposable ban came in, on 31 January 2026, the HWRC already received around 50,000 vapes per year.
Over the past four years alone, there have been nearly 40 separate fire incidents at the HWRC linked with items placed in general waste, rather than being dealt with appropriately.
While no serious injuries were caused by any of the fires, Mr Button said this highlights the ongoing importance of the correct disposal of vapes and other items containing a battery.
Guernsey Waste has a ‘Check before you chuck’ list, which shows which everyday items may pose a risk if placed in household general waste or recycling bags.
As well as items containing batteries, pressurised components can cause fires, explosions, and damage to waste collection vehicles and processing machinery if disposed of incorrectly, putting waste staff, emergency responders, and the public at risk.
Mr Button said incorrect disposal can also harm the environment as vapes and other electronic items contain traces of heavy metals, which can leak into soil and water if discarded in the natural environment.
Further guidance is available online, with a list of the most common hazardous household items and explains how to dispose of them safely. This includes electronic items, gas canisters, flares, laptops, and mobile phones