Councils call for disposable vapes to be BANNED in UK by next year

Local authorities in England and Wales have called for disposable vapes to be banned in the UK by 2024 on environmental and health grounds.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said the sale and manufacture of single-use e-cigarettes should be stopped next year in line with other European countries. France is considering a ban by the end of 2023, with the European Union expected to follow suit in 2026.

The LGA said it is “crucial” a ban comes into force “rapidly” to stop a flood of single-use vapes into the UK market. The organisation described disposable vapes as “a hazard” for waste collectors and said they are “almost impossible to recycle without going through special treatment”.

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It also raised concern about the impact of vaping on children and young people, particularly how they are marketed with colourful designs and flavours.

David Fothergill, chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “Councils are not anti-vapes, which are shown to be less harmful than smoking and have a place as a tool to use in smoking cessation.

“However, disposable vapes are fundamentally flawed in their design and inherently unsustainable products, meaning an outright ban will prove more effective than attempts to recycle more vapes.

“Single-use vapes blight our streets as litter, are a hazard in our bin lorries, are expensive and difficult to deal with in our recycling centres. Their colours, flavours and advertising are appealing to children and the penalties for retailers selling them don’t go far enough.

“Councils urge the Government to take this action to protect our planet, keep children safe and save taxpayers money.”

Public