The government has confirmed that disposable vapes will be banned across England starting in June next year.
This move, originally proposed in January, aims to reduce environmental harm and protect children’s health. The ban is also expected to be mirrored by the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Disposable vapes, difficult to recycle and often ending up in landfill, are a significant environmental concern. Their batteries can leak harmful substances, such as lithium and mercury, into the environment, posing long-term hazards. The improper disposal of these batteries has also been linked to hundreds of fires in waste processing centres and bin lorries each year.
The government estimate that almost five million disposable vapes were either littered or thrown into general waste each week last year. These discarded vapes contained over 40 tonnes of lithium—enough to power 5,000 electric vehicles.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh described the disposable vape industry as “extremely wasteful” and said the ban is an essential step towards reducing the nation’s throwaway culture. She noted that this initiative would contribute to a circular economy, which prioritises sustainability, reduces waste, and creates jobs.
While the sale of vapes to under-18s is already prohibited, disposable vapes have been seen as a significant factor in the rise of youth vaping. They are often sold in colourful packaging, making them appealing to younger buyers.
The vaping industry has raised concerns that the ban could lead to a rise in illegal sales, but the government remains committed to tackling both environmental and health concerns through this initiative.
The vaping industry may argue that vaping is less harmful than smoking, but as the NHS notes, the long-term risks remain unknown. As such, this ban marks a clear step towards safeguarding both the environment and public health.
