Sale of Single-Use Vapes to End in June 2025
The UK government has officially announced that single-use vapes will be banned from sale starting 1 June 2025, subject to parliamentary approval. Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh confirmed on 24 October 2024 that the relevant legislation has already been presented to Parliament. The Welsh government has also agreed to align its laws, confirming a similar ban from the same date.
Reasons for the Ban
The decision to prohibit single-use vapes is based on both environmental and public health concerns. In 2023, it was estimated that almost five million vapes were discarded each week in the UK, either littered or thrown into general waste. This massive disposal issue, paired with the sharp rise in vape usage (a 400% increase between 2012 and 2023), made the need for regulatory action more urgent. As of today, approximately 9.1% of the British public regularly buys and uses these vapes.
Transition Period for Businesses
Businesses will be given until 1 June 2025 to sell any remaining stock and adjust to the forthcoming ban. The government is also introducing a comprehensive Tobacco and Vapes Bill, marking a significant public health initiative. This Bill aims to prevent young people from becoming addicted to nicotine and advance the goal of a smoke-free UK.
Public Support
The public has shown strong support for these measures. A February 2024 consultation revealed that 69% of respondents backed the proposal to limit the sale and availability of single-use vapes. The ban was first suggested by the previous government in January 2024 but was delayed until after the general election.
Environmental Impact of Vapes
Single-use vapes pose a significant environmental challenge, primarily due to their lithium-ion batteries. When these batteries are improperly disposed of, they end up in landfills or incinerators, wasting valuable materials. Moreover, the batteries are highly flammable, which creates safety hazards for waste industry workers and can lead to fires in waste facilities. For instance, Veolia reported in August 2024 that it records one preventable fire per day caused by dangerous items, especially vapes, being discarded in general waste bins.
Recycling Challenges
Even when single-use vapes are disposed of through proper recycling channels, the process is labour-intensive. The devices often need to be disassembled by hand, making it difficult for recycling facilities to keep pace with the high rate of vape production. This inefficiency is a key reason behind the government’s push to eliminate these products altogether.
By banning single-use vapes, the UK hopes to mitigate environmental damage and address public health risks, while also paving the way for more sustainable and responsible consumption.