A RECYCLING service for vaping devices and e-cigarettes has been launched in Dunfermline.

The service is open to anyone who uses a vape and is now live in VPZ's East Port store.

The retailer has teamed up with waste management provider, WasteCare, to develop the system.

Vapes contain lithium batteries and plastic and when littered they can cause harm to the local environment.

All recycling processes will be handled by WasteCare which will be responsible for safely collecting, treating, and recovering disposable vapes and reusable hardware devices.

VPZ Director, Doug Mutter, said: "We are excited to be launching this ground-breaking service with WasteCare to respond to an emerging environmental issue.

"Any form of littering is unacceptable however the proliferation of disposable vape use has led to single-use devices being discarded in local environments.

"Our partnership with WasteCare responds to this challenge head on and vapers can come into our network of over 150 stores throughout the country, including Dunfermline, to recycle their vape devices, both disposable and reusable, in a safe and responsible way.

"Our service will also help us engage with adult smokers and vapers to educate them on the sustainable and environmental benefits of using reusable products."

VPZ has called on both the UK and Scottish Governments to introduce tighter controls and licensing for selling vaping products.

Mr Mutter, said: "At the moment we have a challenge in the industry where many imported, unregulated, disposable vaping products are readily available from local convenience stores, supermarkets and several other general retailers with no age verification checks or control in place.

"This is an emerging problem that threatens the huge progress of vaping in transforming the health of the nation and helping the country meet its smoke-free targets.

"We are urging the UK Government to act now and follow best practices from countries like New Zealand, where flavoured products can only be sold from specialist licensed vaping stores.

"Thus, ensuring that an appropriate challenge 25 policy is in place and consultation is aimed towards adult smokers and vapers."

Fife councillors confirmed their support for a nationwide disposable vape ban last month.

Cllr Bailey-Lee Robb reported that the Fife Street Champions group collected more than 600 disposable devices recently during a clean-up campaign.

He also said he was "genuinely, deeply concerned for our young people in Fife", due to concerns about the health impact of vaping.

SNP members Bailey-Lee Robb and Stefan Hoggan-Radu secured full council support to address Scottish Government Ministers in anticipation of an urgent review of disposable vapes from the Holyrood.

The review is currently being undertaken by Zero Waste Scotland.

The letters will convey the “council’s view that a ban on the sale of so-called ‘disposable’ vapes be introduced in Scotland as soon as practicably possible”.