Single use vape ban comes into force

The UK government is implementing a ban on single-use vapes starting 1 June 2025, aiming to curb youth vaping and reduce environmental waste. This move makes it illegal for retailers, including corner shops and supermarkets, to sell disposable vapes.

Violators will face a £200 fine for a first offence, with repeat offenders subject to unlimited fines or potential jail time.

The environmental impact of disposable vapes has been significant, with millions discarded weekly, contributing to pollution and fire hazards.

While the number of young vapers using disposables has already declined, the government hopes the ban will further drive down usage rates among this group. Additionally, the policy encourages consumers to transition to refillable and rechargeable vaping devices, promoting a more sustainable approach to vaping.

This ban is part of a broader Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which seeks to regulate vaping products and protect public health. Authorities have worked with retailers to ensure compliance, providing guidance on stock depletion and enforcement measures.

Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said:

For too long, single-use vapes have blighted our streets as litter and hooked our children on nicotine. That ends today.

The Government calls time on these nasty devices.

Deputy First Minister, with responsibility for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies said:

Single-use vapes create litter and plastic pollution; this ban will help stop the serious harm these products cause to our wildlife and environment.

They should be recycled at a vape shop, or taken to a local authority recycling centre, to be disposed of safely. Vapes should never go in the bin as they are susceptible to catching fire.

Scottish Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin 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.”

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.”