NEW cheap vapes flooding the market are driving up waste levels and sparking concerns over the incoming ban on single-use vapes, campaigners have warned.

Campaign group Material Focus says “big puff” vapes, which are often rechargeable and hold up to 6,000 puffs compared to the usual 600, are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among 16- to 34-year-olds.

Representing better value for money, more people are turning to the devices, which campaigners warn may circumvent the new regulations set to come into force in June.

The group estimates that 8.2 million vapes, including big puff models, are binned or recycled incorrectly every week — equivalent to 13 per second.

Material Focus executive director Scott Butler said: “Vape producers are being infinitely creative to avoid the ban.

“We may need more flexible legislation to tackle these challenges.”

The lithium-ion batteries in vapes are also a concern, with battery fires in the waste stream rising 71 per cent last year.

While recycling has improved, with 20 per cent of vapers returning devices to stores, 77 per cent say information on recycling remains inadequate.

Circular economy minister Mary Creagh said: “Single-use vapes are extremely wasteful.

“Banning them is the first step to ending our throwaway culture.”