1,000 free in-store vape bins to be given to Scottish Grocers’ Federation convenience store retailers
VAPES maker Elfbar and the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) have announced the free provision of 1,000 co-branded in-store recycling bins to SGF members.
Many retailers and outlets in Scotland already provide free used-vape take-back services and this campaign, which begins in the middle of October, will significantly increase this offering in the convenience sector, says the SGF.
Single-use vapes are extremely popular among adult smokers and ex-smokers in Scotland. While Opinium research points to their effectiveness in supporting a smoke-free Scotland, the SGF reckons it is vital that adults can dispose of their used vapes responsibly.
Opinium questioning of 1,000 adults in Scotland showed that the provision of in-store bins was the most effective way to increase recycling levels of used vapes.
SGF chief executive Pete Cheema said: “SGF welcomes the opportunity to work in partnership with Elfbar to help retailers play their part tackling the environmental damage done by single-use, disposable vaping products.
“They can be an important gateway to long-term vaping products for those quitting smoking, but they must stop appearing on our streets and in our parks.
“SGF promotes responsible community retailing and so the opportunity to provide, with Elfbar, 1,000 free in-store vaping bins to retailers is an important step forward and will feed into the process of providing easy waste and recycling options for disposable vaping products.”
He added that the SGF annual conference, taking place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow on 12 & 13 October, provided retailers with the perfect opportunity to sign up for a free vape bin.
The latest initiative follows the launch on 26 September of a pilot scheme by the SGF and Elfbar for the recycling of single-use vapes.
Eve Peters, director of government affairs for Elfbar in the UK said the firm was delighted to be working with SGF in the development and delivery of the campaign to increase recycling points for used vapes in the convenience sector across Scotland.
She added: “Single-use vapes are a key entry point for adult smokers looking to quit smoking for good. However, it is vital that they are disposed of responsibly.
“As our recently commissioned research shows, the provision of in-store vape bins is the most effective way to increase recycling rates.”
