Single use vapes could be banned in Scotland, as part of plans to
protect public health and the environment.
The Programme for Government outlined a commitment to take action
to reduce vaping among non-smokers and young people and to tackle
the environmental impact of single-use vapes, including
consulting on a proposal to ban their sale and other appropriate
measures.
Research suggests that almost one in five (18%) of adolescents
have tried vapes. Zero Waste Scotland estimates that up to 26
million disposable vapes were consumed and thrown away in
Scotland in the last year, with 10 per cent being littered and
more than half disposed of incorrectly.
With millions of vapes littered every year, there is a
significant and increasing cost to local authorities through
litter clear up and waste management.
Following a request of Scottish Ministers, the Circular Economy
Minister and Public Health Minister will meet with counterparts
in the UK Government, Welsh Government and Northern Ireland
Executive to discuss the findings of recent research and
potential policy responses.
In addition, action to help ensure that children, young people
and non-smokers do not use these devices will also be set out in
this year’s refreshed Tobacco Action Plan, which will set out our
road map to 2034.
After publishing his first Programme for Government, First
Minister said:
“Disposable vapes are a threat to both public health and the
environment.
“We know that the bright colours and sweet flavours catch the eye
of children and young people in particular. The World Health
Organisation has said there is evidence to suggest that young
people who have never smoked but use e-cigarettes, double their
chance of starting to smoke tobacco cigarettes in later life.
“Last year we consulted on restrictions on the advertising and
promotion of vaping products. Any action we seek to take will
build on the regulations already in place to restrict the
marketing, promotion and sale of vaping products to under 18s and
the findings will be used to inform the refreshed Tobacco Action
Plan.
“On the environment, the evidence is undeniable – from litter on
our streets, to the risk of fires in waste facilities, there are
issues which demand action.
“We will be working constructively with retailers and other
stakeholders to come up with solutions. While we will be asking
for views on a ban, we are also keen to explore other
interventions that could have a more immediate impact.
“Of course, this is not just an issue for Scotland – these
problems are being experienced all over the UK and we will soon
be holding discussions on potential solutions.”
Background
Where vapes are incorrectly disposed of, the batteries increase
risk of fires at waste centres and on collection vehicles that
can damage equipment paid for by the taxpayer or even be a risk
to personal safety.
The Scottish Parliament has successfully taken action to ban the
supply and manufacture of certain single use plastic products due
to their environmental impact. Action on single use vapes is
likely to require a similar exclusion from the Internal Market
Act.
The consultation on the proposed ban will be held in the next
year.
The refreshed Tobacco Action Plan will be published in the
autumn.
Zero Waste Scotland’s review of the
environmental impacts of single use vapeswas published in
June.
Health Behaviour in
School-Aged Children Scotland study.
World Health Organisation
Q&A on E-cigarettes
