LARAC has welcomed the introduction of separate legislation across all four UK nations banning the sale and distribution of single-use and disposable vapes, effective from 1 June 2025.
The newly announced regulations; The Environmental Protection (Single use Vapes) Regulations 2024, apply to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, marking a significant step forward in tackling the environmental and safety challenges posed by these items.
LARAC strongly supports the ban and the accompanying requirement for vape manufacturers to fund or provide takeback schemes. Disposable vapes and other small electronic devices containing lithium-ion batteries are a well-documented contamination issue for local authority waste streams and pose a serious fire risk in collection vehicles and facilities. The move is a vital recognition of the strain these products place on local waste and recycling systems and the wider environment.
Cathy Cook, LARAC Chair stressed that the ban is not a standalone solution:
“Effective implementation will require consistent enforcement across all four nations, backed by clear guidance, adequate resources, and the necessary powers for local authorities to ensure the ban is properly upheld.”
“Additionally, while the disposable nature of these products contributes significantly to their environmental impact, reusable vapes, and other small battery-powered devices continue to present the same hazards across waste streams. Legacy items sold prior to the ban and those illegally sold or discarded afterwards will persist in the waste stream for some time.”
LARAC also warns of the risk of loopholes through superficial product redesigns that present items as ‘reusable’ or ‘refillable’ while retaining their disposable characteristics. Enforcement agencies across the four nations will need to work hard to ensure that regulations are not undermined by deceptive marketing or design.
This ban is a necessary and welcome move, but to truly protect the environment and reduce the burden on local authorities, it must be backed with strong enforcement, clear policy follow-through, and robust producer responsibility.
LARAC members can read and download our full policy position on disposable vapes here.
For further information please contact Toni McNamara, Executive Director at LARAC, on 01982 382 650 / admin@larac.org.uk.
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