Number fell 23% year on year in 2025 but waste companies say recycling systems still under strain from sheer volume
Archived version: https://archive.is/newest/https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/mar/27/vapes-pods-waste-uk-recycling-disposable-single-use-ban
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Honestly, the state of recycling in the UK is a joke.
Millions of tons of waste are shipped overseas annually because the UK lacks the capacity to process it, often ending up in countries with poor environmental regulations. And a significant portion of waste collected for recycling is sent for incineration rather than being processed for reuse.