Ireland Faces Mounting Costs as Vape Fires Plague Waste Management System

Dublin, Ireland – Fires sparked by improperly discarded vapes are costing Ireland’s waste management industry at least €100 million over the past three years, with the true figure likely much higher. The surge in lithium-ion battery fires in waste facilities is prompting calls for stricter regulations, extended producer responsibility, and a more effective approach to vape disposal.

Escalating Costs and Safety Risks

According to the Irish Waste Management Association (IWMA), fires in bin lorries and waste sorting centres have resulted in over €56.6 million in damages between 2023 and 2025. An additional €1.7 million was lost due to damage to vehicles, based on a survey of the IWMA’s 37 member firms. Companies have spent €26.3 million on installing enhanced fire detection and suppression systems [Irish Times]. IWMA secretary Conor Walsh estimates the annual cost to the industry is likely around €70 million, excluding insurance expenses.

The primary culprit behind these fires is the lithium-ion batteries found in disposable vapes. These batteries pose a significant risk when damaged, crushed, or exposed to heat, potentially leading to intense fires that can quickly spread. [RTÉ] reports that waste management operators, such as Clean Ireland Recycling, have experienced multiple fires in collection trucks and at their facilities.

Disposal Challenges and the Upcoming Ban

Despite being designed for recycling at Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) collection points, only approximately 1.1 million disposable vapes are returned through these channels annually in Ireland. This leaves an estimated 30 million vapes entering household and public bins each year [Irish Times].

The Irish government is set to implement a ban on single-apply disposable vapes later this year. However, concerns have been raised that this may not fully address the problem. Walsh warned that a shift towards “multi-use disposable vapes” – vapes that can be recharged but are still ultimately discarded – could exacerbate the issue, as these devices are often binned while still fully charged [Irish Times].

Calls for Extended Producer Responsibility

The IWMA is advocating for a deposit return scheme for vapes or a discount offered at the point of sale for returned used vapes to incentivize responsible disposal. Walsh emphasized the need for “producer responsibility,” arguing that manufacturers should be held accountable for the complete-of-life management of their products [Irish Times].

The Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill, currently progressing through the Oireachtas, primarily focuses on reducing vaping among children by limiting access to cheaper products. While the Department of the Environment has engaged with the IWMA and producer responsibility organizations to explore solutions, the bill does not specifically address the environmental consequences of vape waste [Gov.ie].

Industry Response

Responsible Vaping Ireland, representing vape shops and sellers, has been contacted for comment.