Single-use vapes will no longer be stocked or sold in Scotland
under new legislation which comes into force today (Sunday 1
June).
The UK-wide ban has been introduced to prevent the environmental
damage disposable vapes cause and to address health concerns
associated with vaping as Scotland moves towards a tobacco-free
generation by 2034.
An estimated 26 million disposable vapes were thrown away in
Scotland in 2023. Of these, more than half were not recycled
properly and around 10% were littered. The batteries used within
disposable vapes are difficult to recycle, leak harmful waste and
can cause fires in waste facilities.
Acting Net Zero Secretary said: “Scotland was the
first nation in the UK to commit to taking action on single use
vapes.
“It's estimated that over half of disposable vapes are
incorrectly disposed of each year in Scotland – creating a fire
risk and littering our beautiful environment. They also contain
nicotine which is highly addictive.
“This change to the law fulfils a Programme for Government
commitment and will help tackle the threat that single-use vapes
pose to our environment as well as to our public health.
“We have worked closely across the four nations to ensure a
consistent approach to a ban on the sale and supply of single-use
vapes and will continue to work with regulators regarding
enforcement once in force.”
Moves to raise the age of sale of tobacco products and regulate
the displays, flavours and packaging of reusable vapes, are being
taken forward separately through the 4-nations Tobacco and Vapes
Bill.
Background
The ban on single-use vapes has been taken forward using powers
under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This approach has
been used in the past to ban other items such as microbeads,
cotton buds and single use plastics.
A ban on single-use vapes was recommended in the four nation
consultation ‘Creating a Smokefree Generation and Tackling Youth
Vaping' which ran in 2023.
