Councils are warning vapers of the potentially life-threatening
dangers of stockpiling disposable vapes as the ban comes into
force tomorrow.
It comes amid concerns some people are stocking up on single-use
vapes before they are banned for sale.
According to new research by online nicotine retailer, Haypp, 82
per cent of disposable vape users are planning to stockpile ahead
of the ban.
People wishing to get rid of their disposable vapes can return
the products to the place of purchase. Shops selling vapes are
required to offer a “take back” service where they accept vapes
and vape parts that customers return for recycling, including
single-use vapes returned after the ban has come into
force.
High street shops and convenience stores are also reminded they
risk being fined if they do not comply with the ban.
The LGA, which represents councils and fire and rescue
authorities, warns the lithium batteries contained inside
disposable vapes, could cause a fire and risk to life if not
stored correctly.
From Sunday 1 June, it will be illegal for businesses to sell or
supply, or have in their possession for sale all single-use or
disposable vapes.
The LGA led calls for a ban two years ago due to environmental
and health concerns. Legislation for a ban was laid in Parliament
last year, with a government consultation showing overwhelming
support for restricting their sale and supply.
Disposable vapes are a hazard for waste and litter collection and
cause fires in bin lorries.
Single use vapes are designed as one unit so batteries cannot be
separated from the plastic, making them almost impossible to
recycle without going through special treatment
The lithium batteries inside the plastic can sharply increase in
temperature if crushed and can become flammable.
This comes at a cost to the council taxpayer through fire damage
to equipment and the specialist treatment needed to deal with
hazardous waste.
Councils are also concerned about the appeal of disposable vapes
to children and young people, and the risk of nicotine
addiction.
Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA's Community
Wellbeing Board, said
“With 8.2 million vapes now thrown away, or recycled incorrectly,
every week, single use vapes blight our streets as litter, are a
hazard in our bin lorries, and are expensive and difficult to
deal with in our recycling centres. Their colours, flavours and
advertising are appealing to children and are a risk to the
health of young people.
“We want to remind businesses to ensure all remaining stocks of
disposable vapes are sold, and only buying vapes that follow the
new regulations.
“If businesses have any single-use vapes in their possession
after Sunday, they will not be able to sell them to shoppers and
must ensure they are stored and disposed of safely.
“We would also urge caution to anyone stockpiling disposable
vapes. Failing to store disposable vapes correctly could cost
lives, given the significant fire risk they pose.”
Notes to editors
-
Single-use vapes ban:
what businesses need to do
- In England, any businesses which fail to comply with the ban
could face a stop notice or a fine of £200 in the first instance,
with all products seized by Trading Standards. If any further
infractions occur, they could be hit with an unlimited fine or be
prosecuted.
-
New research from
Haypp reveals that 82 per cent of disposable vape users
plan to stock up ahead of the 1 June ban
-
Figures obtained by the
Electric Tobacconist, an online vape store, through Freedom
of Information requests to fire and rescue services across the
UK, found an increase in vape-related fires from 89 reports in
2020 to 399 in 2024.
-
An estimated 8.2 million
vapes (such as single use, pod and big puff) are now thrown
away every week or recycled incorrectly – 13 per
second.
