Every week, the UK discards over 8 million vapes* with many disposable and non disposable vape pens ending up in landfill, general waste or simply discarded onto the streets – these vape pens contain lithium-ion batteries that cause fires and contamination.
Inside the UK prison network, the problem is even more severe!
• Over 80% of prison cell fires are now vape-related – escalating costs & safety concerns
• 25+ million vapes are discarded annually across UK prisons – with no real solution offered long term
Currently many vaping devices are not safely contained or recycled, posing a major fire, health, and compliance risk for HMPs. With the introduction of tamper-proof Moja vapes, fire risks may reduce — but WEEE waste volumes will rise dramatically. This is where VRC steps in!
Our Solution
Our Vape Custodian Programme (VCP) has been developed through a unique partnership with Recycle-IT CIC as well as Entrepreneurs Unlocked CIC.
Recycle-IT! CIC – A WEEE-compliance and electronics recycling specialist
Entrepreneurs Unlocked CIC – An award-winning social enterprise providing entrepreneurial training to people with convictions.
VRC Logistics CIC – Secure logistics, waste containment, and prison operations
Together we form a unique, end-to-end partnership — the first of its kind in the UK.
Our Services
Vape Waste Risk Assessments
We assess your current vape waste handling process, including fire hazards, lithium battery risks, and WEEE compliance gaps. You receive a clear report with recommendations, actions, and risk-ratings.
Staff Training & Awareness
We deliver specialist training on:
- Safe vape waste handling
- Lithium battery fire risks
- Bin placement & segregation
- Emergency response guidance
Training can be delivered on-site or online, and tailored for prisons, estates, FM teams, and waste contractors.
WEEE Compliance Support
We ensure your organisation is aligned with current and upcoming regulations, including the 2026 vape waste rule changes.
Support includes:
- Waste flow audits
- Duty of care guidance
- Data & audit documentation
- End-to-end compliance advice
Secure Vape Waste Collection & Chain of Custody
We provide a controlled, secure process from collection to approved treatment.
Our model includes:
- Fire-safe vape bins
- Segregation protocols
- Tracked collections
- Full custody paperwork
We work only with approved, licensed AATF partners.
Policy & Environmental Advisory for HMPPS & Large Estates
We support organisations facing large-scale vape waste challenges, especially in high-risk environments such as prisons.
We help estates teams and leadership:
- Build internal vape waste policies
- Develop environmental strategies
- Prepare for regulatory change
- Reduce harm, risk & cost
Social Impact & Rehabilitation Pathways
As a social enterprise, we design waste recovery solutions that create opportunities, not just compliance.
We help organisations link waste systems to:
- Training & qualifications
- Employability pathways
- Prisoner rehabilitation
- Community-level impact reporting
WEEE-Compliant Transportation & Disposal
Our End-to-End Process
Safe • Compliant • Secure • Auditable
1. Secure Collection Points Installed
We provide tamper-proof, fire-resistant vape disposal units — designed for prisons, public spaces & controlled environments.
2. On-Site Vape Recovery
Waste is safely gathered, consolidated, and stored following strict WEEE protocols — preventing fires, tampering, & improper disposal.
3. Licensed Hazardous Waste Transport
VRC collects vape waste using a legally compliant Upper Tier Waste Carrier Licence, maintaining full chain-of-custody.
4. WEEE-Compliant Processing
All waste is transferred to Approved Authorised Treatment Facilities (AATFs) for safe dismantling & material recovery.
5. Certification & Audit Trail
We provide:
- Waste Transfer Notes
- Recycling Evidence Notes
- Full compliance paperwork
- Environmental impact reporting
6. Social Impact Built In
Where possible, waste handling and logistics support include trained Vape Custodians — creating skills, purpose, and rehabilitation opportunities.
Re-Cycle, Dispose & Consult
End-to-End WEEE Compliance & Waste Strategy Support
- Expert vape waste risk assessments for estates, prisons & public spaces
- Staff training on safe handling, battery safety & lithium fire prevention
- Advisory support for HMPPS, facilities teams, and senior leadership
- Guidance on policy, environmental standards & upcoming 2026 WEEE changes
We help organisations stay compliant, reduce risk, and build safer, cleaner environments.
The VCP (Prisons)
The Vape Custodian Programme
- Training & accreditation for people in custody
- Purposeful activity that supports safer, cleaner prison environments
- Custodians lead vape recovery across wings, with logged routines & daily checks
- Reduces fire risk, litter, contraband misuse & WEEE non-compliance
- Creates skills, structure, and post-release employment pathways
Social Impact & Employment Pathways — Recycling vapes. Rebuilding lives.
At VRC Logistics CIC, social impact isn’t an add-on — it’s built into our core.
We don’t just collect vape waste. We create new opportunities for people leaving prison by offering real training, real qualifications, and real jobs.
Our model provides:
✔ Rehabilitation through structured training & responsibility
Custodians gain skills, routine, purpose, and environmental awareness.
✔ Employment pathways upon release
Successful participants can progress into roles with:
- VRC Logistics CIC (collection & logistics)
- Recycle-IT! CIC (WEEE processing & environmental services)
- Other aligned ethical employers
✔ Supported by Entrepreneurs Unlocked
We work alongside one of the UK’s leading specialists in prison employability, ensuring:
- CV & skills development
- Mentoring
- Job-readiness support
- Second chance access to work
It’s not just waste recovery. It’s a pathway to a better future.
Inside Prisons
• VRC installs fire-resistant, tamper-proof vape waste bins across wings and common areas.
• Trained Vape Custodians (prisoners) collect and safely deposit used vapes and clearomizers.
• VRC operatives manage secure, compliant collections, ensuring full WEEE and battery waste regulation adherence.
• All materials are processed via AATF-certified recycling partners.
Outside Prisons
Our model expands to retail centres, universities, festivals, and public spaces, offering vape drop points that feed into the same compliant recycling chain — closing the loop between waste and recovery.
Our Products
VRC FireSafe™ Vape Waste Bin – designed for prisons and secure institutions:
• Double-walled fire-resistant steel construction
• Tamper-proof locking and anti-fishing chute
• Lithium isolation liners and WEEE-compliant labelling
• Optional IoT fill-level monitoring
Available in:
• Wing Bin (WB-60) – 60L fire-safe internal unit
• Central Store Bin (CSB-240) – 240L secure storage for collections
Social Impact
Our work goes beyond waste. Each Vape Custodian trained through VRC gains a recognised qualification in WEEE recycling (in development), purposeful work and routine that supports prison rehabilitation, and employment pathways with VRC Logistics CIC and Recycle-IT! CIC upon release.
Through our partners at Entrepreneurs Unlocked, we also provide employability training, mentoring, business start-up support for prison leavers, and accredited learning pathways aligned with MoJ rehabilitation priorities.