The increasing use of single-use vapes in the UK has led to a surge in fires at waste plants, posing risks of toxic fumes and air pollution, according to industry experts. Over 1.3 million disposable e-cigarettes are discarded weekly, often ending up in general waste, and their easily ignitable lithium-ion batteries are highly flammable. Recycling facilities are struggling to obtain insurance due to the growing number of vapes they handle. Some plants have resorted to artificial intelligence, thermal imaging cameras, and automatic foam jets to detect and manage the hazardous vapes. The situation highlights the need for safeguards and technological solutions to prevent such incidents.