The ban on disposable vapes is aimed at the environmental and safety issues caused by single-use vapes. New legislation is said to come into force June 1st 2025 regarding the sale of such products.
Disposable vapes contain lithium batteries, which are very hard to recycle and are often thrown away incorrectly. In 2022 alone, over 40 tonnes of lithium was sent to landfills through disposable vapes according to industry estimates.
Aside from environmental concerns the fire risk of vapes being crushed or compacted in waste vehicles has also been cited as a major reason for the disposable vape ban.
Under the new rules, retailers who sell more than £100,000 worth of electronic goods each year must now offer free, in-store take back of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). Businesses must also keep records of disposal and tell customers at the point of sale.
Failure to comply with the disposable vape ban could result in fines of up to £6,000.
This is part of a wider government drive to tackle e-waste and encourage more sustainable consumption. While the disposable vape ban will be opposed by some retailers and vape users it has been welcomed by environmental groups and waste management professionals.
