Disposable Vapes Ban: What Comes Next?
From 1 June 2025, the UK will introduce a ban on single-use vapes – a long-awaited move that aims to tackle the mounting environmental damage caused by these throwaway products. While this step is welcome, it’s far from a complete solution. The real issue goes deeper – and it’s still growing.
8.2 Million Vapes Discarded Every Week
Despite the upcoming ban, millions of vapes continue to be sold and binned every week. According to new research commissioned by Material Focus and conducted by Opinium, an estimated 8.2 million vapes – including disposables, pods, and “big puff” models – are either thrown away or incorrectly recycled every week in the UK. That’s roughly 13 every second.
The report highlights a sharp rise in vape usage: weekly sales have jumped from 9.9 million to 13.5 million in just one year, a 37% increase. And it’s not just about numbers – the types of products being sold are evolving too, creating new and potentially even more harmful waste streams.
The Rise of “Big Puff” Vapes
The same Material Focus study reveals a worrying surge in a new generation of devices known as “big puff” vapes. These products deliver up to 6,000 puffs per unit, significantly more than traditional disposables, and at a much lower cost per use. Their appeal, especially among younger consumers, has driven rapid growth – 3 million big puff vapes are now bought every week.
These devices have been designed to bypass upcoming restrictions, making them a key concern in post-ban environmental planning. Already, they account for 63% of all puffs taken in the UK, according to the research.
Environmental Impact: More Than Just Litter
The environmental consequences are mounting. All vapes contain lithium-ion batteries, which, when crushed in waste facilities or bin lorries, can ignite and cause fires. Data from Material Focus shows that battery fires linked to vapes and other small electricals have risen by 71%, reaching over 1,200 incidents in the past year.
These fires not only pose a danger to public safety but also release pollutants that harm local air quality – often breaching WHO safety limits.
There’s also the issue of wasted resources. The lithium found in the vapes discarded each year could power over 10,000 electric vehicle batteries, and other precious materials like copper are also being lost.
Most Vapers Still Don’t Know How to Recycle
Despite growing concern, recycling rates remain low. The study shows that 77% of UK vapers feel they don’t have enough information about how to properly dispose of vapes. While in-store vape recycling is increasing (from 8% last year to 20% this year), many retailers still fail to offer take-back options, despite regulatory requirements.
Misconceptions are widespread. A large portion of the public mistakenly believes that vapes can go into kerbside recycling or general waste bins, which they absolutely shouldn’t. As a result, 61% of vapes are being thrown into regular rubbish, with another 3.3 million sitting unused in drawers and cupboards.
What Needs to Happen?
The Material Focus report makes it clear: banning single-use vapes alone won’t solve the crisis. A broader, more coordinated approach is needed – urgently.
Key recommendations include:
- A UK-wide vape take-back system with convenient drop-off locations
- Mandatory recycling information clearly displayed on packaging
- Vape return points in stores, parks, schools, and public spaces
- A public awareness campaign to educate vapers of all ages
- Linking retail vape sales to recycling scheme participation
Without these measures, the UK risks replacing one type of disposable vape with another, equally harmful version.