Up to 26 million disposable vapes were consumed and thrown away
in Scotland in the last year, of which an estimated 10 per cent
were littered and more than half were incorrectly disposed of,
according to a report published today.
The Scottish Government commissioned Zero Waste Scotland to carry
out a review of the environmental impact of single use vapes and
potential policy options for addressing the problems that they
cause.
The review estimates that in the year ending January 2023, there
were 543,000 vapers in Scotland - of which 51,000 (9%) were under
16 and 78,000 (14%) were under 18. Most under 18 e-cigarette
users prefer single use vapes.
Environmental impacts highlighted by the review include the waste
impact of littering; risks associated with unsafe disposal of
their contents; and greenhouse gas emissions and water
consumption generated in their manufacture. Total emissions
associated with disposable vapes in 2022 are estimated to have
been up to 4,292 tonnes CO2e – the equivalent of around 2,100
cars on Scotland’s roads. The lithium batteries used in the most
popular disposable vapes could be recharged up to 500 times if
the product design allowed.
, Minister for Circular
Economy, Green Skills and Biodiversity said:
“This report shows that single use vapes have become a big
problem - for our environment, local communities and young
people. I will take action and will engage with those affected,
including young people, over the coming months, with a view to
setting out a way forward in the Autumn.
“Single use vapes are an issue across the UK, so
I have invited Ministers from the other UK governments to meet to
discuss the findings of the report and what we can do in
response.
“Those who sell single use vapes are already required to take
them back for safe disposal, or contribute to the cost of
recycling, but this is clearly not happening as it should. I will
therefore write to the UK Minister responsible to share our
findings and to ask what they will do to ensure these obligations
are met.”
The report shortlists nine potential measures to address
environmental impacts of single use e-cigarettes, including a ban
on sales, regulations to set certain design criteria, and charges
to encourage behaviour change or producer fees to offset the
environmental costs, such as a levy based on recycling rates. The
report assesses the potential of each option for reducing
environmental impact and the benefits of multiple measures in
combination.
Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland said:
“Any form of littering is unacceptable – it damages the
environment, economy, and is a blight on the areas where we live,
work, and socialise. Single use vapes are made up of components
which, unless disposed of safely and responsibly, can last on our
planet for years and years. And the sight of them, discarded on
our streets, is becoming far too common.
"This is why Zero Waste Scotland was happy to lead on this
important report. Tackling our throwaway culture is a priority
for us and we will continue to work with the Scottish Government
in highlighting the huge impact that littering these items has on
the environment.”
Background
Zero Waste Scotland report
