The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils in England and Wales, is urging the government to implement a ban on the sale and manufacture of single-use vapes by 2024. This call for action comes as the European Union plans to ban such products by 2026, and France is set to roll out its own ban in December 2023. There is concern that if these markets close, the UK will be flooded with disposable vapes.
Not only are disposable vapes a hazard for waste and litter collection, but they also pose a risk of causing fires in bin lorries. These single-use vapes are designed as one unit, with batteries that cannot be separated from the plastic, making them almost impossible to recycle without special treatment. The lithium batteries inside the plastic can become flammable if crushed, resulting in potential fire damage to equipment and the need for specialist treatment to handle hazardous waste. This incurs a cost to the council taxpayer.
On top of their environmental impact, the regular and blatant littering of disposable vapes on our streets is another concerning issue. Moreover, there are growing worries about the influence of vaping on children and young people. It is alarming to see an increasing number of children, who have never smoked before, starting to vape. Councils express particular concern about how vapes are marketed with designs and flavors that appeal to children, such as fruity and bubble gum flavors, as well as colorful, child-friendly packaging. To address these concerns, strict regulations should be imposed to govern the display and marketing of regular vaping products, similar to those in place for tobacco.
Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, emphasizes that councils are not against vapes, which are proven to be less harmful than smoking and can serve as a tool for smoking cessation. However, disposable vapes are fundamentally flawed in their design and sustainability, rendering an outright ban more effective than attempting to increase recycling efforts.
The news aligns with health charity ASH Scotland’s call for a ban on disposable e-cigarettes, following the release of Zero Waste Scotland’s review on the environmental impact of single-use e-cigarettes for the Scottish government. This review highlights global concerns regarding both the environmental impacts and health issues associated with the use of disposable e-cigarettes by young people.
Contrary to the calls for a ban, the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) argues that prohibiting disposable vapes as part of the campaign to combat illegal sales to those under 18 would be a mistake. Instead, the association advocates for greater support to trading standards departments, which play a vital role in policing illegal vape sales.
In conclusion, the LGA urges the government to take swift action to protect the environment, ensure the safety of children, and save taxpayers’ money. By implementing a ban on single-use vapes, these goals can be achieved.
