The moment that festival fans have been waiting for is almost finally here, with Glastonbury Festival finally kicking off in less than two weeks.
More than 200,000 attendees will flock to the festival to see the likes of the Arctic Monkeys, Lizzo and Elton John.
However, festivalgoers will be advised not to take disposable e-cigarettes this year, as part of Glastonbury’s efforts to ‘reduce, reuse and recyle’ plastics.
The festival has updated its packing guidelines on the website, which now say ‘not to bring’ disposable vapes.
It remains unclear how this will be enforced, although MailOnline has contacted Glastonbury for further information.
Festivalgoers will be advised not to take disposable e-cigarettes this year, as part of Glastonbury’s efforts to ‘reduce, reuse and recyle’ plastics
‘With just 17 days until gates open for Glastonbury 2023, you might be starting to think about what you bring to the farm,’ Glastonbury’s website reads.
Its ‘what not to bring’ guidance now lists disposable vapes.
‘Do not bring disposable vapes, it reads.
‘They pollute the environment and can be hazardous at waste centers.’
The decision to dissuade attendees from bringing vapes is part of Glastonbury’s efforts to make the festival as environmentally friendly as possible.
It explained: ‘In a stand to make our world more sustainable, we ask you to avoid single-use items and opt for reusable options wherever possible and help us look after the land on which the Festival stands.’
While it remains unclear how the change will be enforced, Glastonbury says that attendees may be searched as they arrive.
‘You may be searched at the entrance for any items that may be used in an illegal or offensive manner – which will be confiscated,’ it says.
‘Persons suspected of carrying out illegal and/or offensive activities onsite may also be searched and face eviction.
‘NB: Confiscated items will NOT be returned.’
Disposable vapes are made of plastic, but also contain valuable materials such as lithium batteries and copper.
‘Do not bring disposable vapes. They pollute the environment and can be hazardous at waste centers,’ Glastonbury’s guidance reads
This means they are classed as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment.
While consumers should technically dispose of them at household recycling centres, many are unaware and end up throwing them in the bin.
Scott Butler, Executive Director at Material Focus said: ‘Vaping is a growing phenomenon in the UK and over 50 per cent of all single use vapes sold are needlessly being thrown away.
‘This means that every week one million vapes are not recycled.
‘We need to take urgent action now and ensure that they get recycled.
‘Throwing away vapes means that we are throwing away some of the most precious materials on our planet.
‘A key part of the problem is that vapes are advertised as disposable.
‘Producers and retailers need to work together to ensure that they should make people aware that vapes should never be binned and instead be recycled.
‘Recycling needs to be made easier and manufacturers and retailers can become part of the solution by adding collection points in-store.’
